Why did workers evacuate after an abnormal noise but still get trapped?

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Workers Trapped After Tunnel Collapse Despite Evacuation Attempt

Fourteen construction workers remain trapped in a flooded highway tunnel in Zhuhai city, near Hong Kong, after a collapse occurred early Thursday morning. The workers had attempted to evacuate after hearing an "abnormal noise" around 3:30 am but were caught by a rapid influx of water before they could reach safety. They are believed to be stranded approximately 1,160 metres from the tunnel's entrance, with rescue operations significantly challenged by the substantial volume of water entering the tunnel face.
Initial Warning and Evacuation

Workers within the tunnel first detected an issue when they heard an "abnormal noise" in the early hours of Thursday. This auditory warning prompted an immediate decision to evacuate the underground site. However, the evacuation process was tragically interrupted as water began to flood into the tunnel before all personnel could exit the affected area.
Inundation and Rescue Challenges

Following the collapse, a large volume of water started pouring into the tunnel, hindering the workers' escape and complicating rescue efforts. The tunnel, which runs beneath a reservoir, experienced a significant influx of water at the tunnel face, making it difficult for rescuers to reach the trapped individuals. The situation is compounded by the workers' reported location about 1,160 metres from the nearest tunnel entrance.
Ongoing Rescue Operations

Rescue teams are actively working to extract the trapped workers, deploying multiple pump trucks to remove water from the tunnel. As of Friday, five mobile drainage pump trucks were operational, moving an estimated 15,400 cubic metres of water per hour, while the point of flooding has reportedly been sealed. An additional 20 pump trucks are on standby in the vicinity to support ongoing efforts.

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Why did workers evacuate after an abnormal noise but still get trapped?

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