Calaveras County, CA – On the afternoon of Tuesday, April 15, 2026, a tunnel collapse at a work site resulted in the death of Twyla Capurro, 35, of Coulterville, and left a second worker hospitalized, according to ABC10, with additional reporting from the Modesto Bee.
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office reports that the incident took place around 3:45 PM near the intersection of Schell Road and Sonora Road, near the community of Knights Ferry.
Authorities said a tunneling project at the site partially collapsed while workers were inside. One worker was able to exit the tunnel before emergency crews arrived and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with injuries. A second worker, later identified as Capurro, remained trapped inside the collapsed tunnel. Despite the efforts of rescue personnel, Capurro was confirmed dead, and her body was recovered from the tunnel at approximately 10:04 PM.
The Modesto Fire Department and Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District were initially dispatched for a rescue, with the call quickly upgraded to a technical rescue requiring additional crews and equipment. The Turlock Fire Department also responded to assist. A unified command was established involving Copperopolis Fire, Modesto Fire, Stanislaus Consolidated Fire, and the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office. Drone operations were deployed inside the tunnel to assess conditions and support rescue efforts. In total, more than 30 firefighters responded using multiple engine companies, truck companies, a rescue unit, a squad, and several utility vehicles.
All emergency personnel cleared the scene at approximately 11:00 PM. The investigation remains ongoing.
California Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits
When a worker dies due to a job-related injury or illness, surviving family members may be eligible for workers’ compensation death benefits. These payments can help support spouses, children, or other financial dependents impacted by the loss.
California Workers Compensation Lawyer
While some jobs are riskier than others, one constant is the importance of workers’ compensation insurance. A California workers’ compensation lawyer can help families receive fair compensation after a loved one is the victim of a workplace injury.
