In the shadowy depths of the Las Vegas subway, Elon Musk's Boring Company has dug a network of tunnels that aims to revolutionize urban transportation. But a recent investigation uncovers a troubling history of workplace injuries, regulatory allegations and policy interventions that raise questions about accountability on high-risk infrastructure projects.
According to a detailed report by Fortune, the story begins with an incident in May in which two Clark County firefighters suffered severe chemical burns while responding to a fire in one of the Boring Company's tunnels. The firefighters, without proper warning or protective gear, encountered a dangerous slurry – a toxic mix of sand, water and chemical accelerants – causing burns that peeled skin from their faces, arms and legs.
The incident that drew attention
The Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) immediately investigated and issued charges against the Boring Company for eight violations, including failure to provide proper hazard communication and protective equipment. The proposed fines totaled over $400,000, a significant penalty that reflects the seriousness of the violations. As ProPublica reported in October 2025, this was part of a broader pattern: The company faced nearly 800 alleged environmental violations over two years, potentially warranting fines of more than $3 million, but that was reduced to $242,800 due to the “extraordinary number” of violations.
The Boring Company's Vegas Loop project, a 68-mile tunnel system carrying passengers in Tesla vehicles, has been plagued by safety problems since its inception. Previous investigations, as detailed in a February 2024 Fortune article, found 36 worker injuries in six months, including chemical exposures and crush injuries, prompting OSHA to cite the company for hazardous conditions.
Political intervention and disappearing records
The turning point came when Steve Davis, president of the Boring Company, contacted Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo's office. Documents obtained by Ink show that a meeting was planned, but recordings of that interaction mysteriously disappeared from public records. Fortune's investigation claims that the fines were completely eliminated following this intervention, with OSHA citing procedural errors, although insiders suspect political pressure played a key role.
Gov. Lombardo, a Republican ally of Musk, has ties to the billionaire through shared political networks. As NewsNation reported just two days ago, more than $400,000 in fines were dropped after Davis' call, highlighting concerns about regulator capture. This is not an isolated case; ProPublica noted the company's history of skirting building, environmental and labor codes as it expanded in Las Vegas.
Wider pattern of violations
Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the Boring Company's operations were under repeated scrutiny. A September 2025 ProPublica report in collaboration with CityCast Vegas revealed how the company bypassed standard permitting procedures, resulting in uncontrolled environmental hazards. According to a 2024 ISHN article, workers have described the conditions as “flirting with death,” with exposure to chemical accelerants causing skin irritation and long-term health risks.
Recent news from TechStory, published two days ago, adds another layer: The company faces nearly $500,000 in fines for dumping toxic wastewater into Las Vegas sewers in violation of environmental regulations. This comes amid allegations of nearly 800 violations over the past two years, according to posts on
Impact on the industry and statements from employees
Industry insiders point to the Boring Company's aggressive timelines as the cause. Musk's vision of rapid tunneling – promising to be faster than a snail – has led to shortcuts, according to anonymous employee reports in Fortune reporting. One worker told investigators, “We were constantly flirting with death,” underscoring the human cost of the innovation-driven rush.
The Nevada governor's involvement raises ethical questions about influencing regulatory processes. As El-Balad reported on November 13, 2025, evidence of the meeting was deleted and OSHA admitted to manipulating case files, leading to calls for transparency. Posts on
Regulatory Responses and Future Oversight
In response, Nevada OSHA defended its actions, saying in a Fortune interview that the reversal of the fine was due to “insufficient evidence” after the review. But critics argue that this ignores firefighters' injuries. According to Techbuzz's recent article, the agency faced backlash for failing to properly record the subpoena withdrawal.
Looking forward, the incident could have implications for federal oversight of private infrastructure projects. ProPublica's ongoing reporting suggests that without stricter enforcement, companies like Boring may continue to prioritize speed over safety. Musk, who has not commented publicly on the latest developments, has previously dismissed safety concerns as exaggerated, but accumulating evidence paints a different picture.
Economic stakes in Las Vegas
The Vegas Loop is a cornerstone of Las Vegas' tourism economy and is designed to connect casinos, the airport and stadiums. But as the Las Vegas Sun noted three days ago, Gov. Lombardo's intervention to lift the fines underscores the tension between economic growth and worker protections. The project's $5.6 billion value highlights how much is at stake, as Musk's influence extends to his support of political figures like Lombardo.
Environmental impacts add complexity. According to TechStory, the dumping of toxic liquids, which was recently fined, is endangering local water systems. Industry experts warn that uncontrolled practices could lead to greater liability risks, especially if tunneling expands to other cities.
Demands accountability
Advocates are pushing for independent audits. Quotes from affected firefighters published in Fortune describe ongoing trauma: “The pain was unbearable,” one said. This human element contrasts with the company's innovative façade and is sparking debates about whether tech titans like Musk are operating above the law.
As scrutiny mounts, the Boring Company's future depends on the balance between ambition and responsibility. Recent X stories from ProPublica reinforce the narrative and alert the public to these “serious security breaches.” The saga serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of technology, politics and security in America's infrastructure boom.