Elon Musk’s Las Vegas underground tunnels are under scrutiny over safety issues, worker injuries, and environmental concerns

Elon Musk’s Vegas Loop, a system of underground tunnels built to move Tesla vehicles around Las Vegas, is drawing attention from Nevada lawmakers over safety and environmental concerns. The project is operated by the Boring Company and has been questioned following reports of workplace accidents and regulatory problems. Instead of appearing in person, company officials sent written responses to state authorities. The tunnel network is meant to connect the Las Vegas Convention Center with nearby hotels, casinos and, eventually, the airport. Rides inside the convention area are free, while trips beyond it are expected to cost passengers.

Elon Musk’s Boring Company under scrutiny for tunnel safety in Nevada

According to the Associated Press, at least 17 complaints were filed with Nevada’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration between 2020 and 2026. One inspection resulted in eight proposed citations. Some of them involved workers being burned by accelerants, while others pointed to a lack of proper shower facilities after chemical exposure.




The Boring Company has already paid close to $600,000 in fines, most of that going to the local water reclamation district. At the same time, the company is disputing roughly $355,000 in penalties issued by Nevada OSHA and the state’s Division of Environmental Protection.

In September 2025, one worker was seriously injured after being pinned between two pipes, each measuring about 4,000 feet long. Firefighters used a crane to pull the worker out of the tunnel. The company later said the employee was in stable condition and that the incident was being reviewed.

Vegas Loop faces environmental concerns over Las Vegas tunnels

ProPublica has previously reported close to 800 environmental violations linked to the Las Vegas tunnel project. These reportedly include cases of untreated wastewater being released and disruptions to nearby infrastructure. Company representatives have said routine inspections are carried out and that environmental rules are followed on site. Some penalties, including more than $425,000 withdrawn by the state in 2025, were later reduced due to reporting errors and issues related to safety gear used during training.