April 15, 2026 – Modesto Fire Department officials report that at approximately 3:42 p.m. on Tuesday, Modesto Fire Department and Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District were dispatched to a reported rescue incident near the intersection of Schell Road and Sonora Road, outside the community of Knights Ferry.

Upon arrival, emergency crews located a tunneling project where a collapse had occurred. One injured individual had already exited the tunnel prior to the arrival of first responders and was transported to a local hospital with injuries described as minor to moderate.

A second individual remained trapped inside the tunnel. Despite rescue efforts, that individual has been confirmed deceased.

The incident is located within Calaveras County and the Copperopolis Fire District and is currently operating under Unified Command with Copperopolis Fire, Modesto Fire Department, Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District, and the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department.

This remains an active incident. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Source & photos: Modesto Fire Department