Neighbors React as Viral 'Tunnel Girl' Granted Permit to Dig Massive Underground Bunker

The internet sensation known as "Tunnel Girl" has officially received the green light to continue her ambitious underground bunker project beneath her home in Herndon, Virginia. The homeowner, who goes by "Kala" on TikTok under the handle @engineer.everything, captured the online world’s attention with her bunker-digging journey, amassing a whopping 7.7 million views in the process.

After paying a $2,000 fee, Kala announced on TikTok this week that her project plans have finally been approved. "I paid the fee, and my tunnel plans are approved. Finally, floor plans, structural plans, construction specifications, load engineering, electrical plans, other trade plans, all approved," she declared with evident relief. This approval comes after her project was halted in 2024 due to potential building violations.

The tunnel system is said to extend 22 feet below ground, with a 30-foot entrance beneath her house. A town spokesperson confirmed the permit was issued and shared that the first inspection this week approved a partial concrete pour for the ceiling. The structure, as per the plans, will not exceed the footprint of her home.

While Kala celebrates her progress, neighbors have mixed feelings about the peculiar project. Rosie Hernandez, a neighbor of three years, expressed confusion about the lack of visible construction activity, saying, "It’s weird for me. It’s new, because I have never seen anything before... I don’t see anything, like machines." Others nearby have voiced concerns about safety and potential property damage.

Chris Colgan, a local real estate owner, shared with Fox News that most neighbors find the situation "funny and a bit unusual," though some worry about the project's impact on the surrounding area. Kala, however, remains optimistic, saying, "I feel relieved and celebratory," adding that an engineering assessment confirmed the tunnel structure’s stability.

Online, TikTok users chimed in with a mix of amazement and disbelief. Comments ranged from "Digging is one thing, but navigating a complex permitting process after the work has been done is nearly miraculous. Well done," to "OMG THE TUNNEL IS BACK." Clearly, Kala’s underground endeavor has captivated hearts—and sparked debates.

For those wondering about the practicality of such a project, FEMA notes that a safe room in your home can provide near-absolute protection from natural disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes. They even offer approved design plans for constructing safe rooms.

Whether you see Kala as an engineering trailblazer or just a quirky TikTok creator, one thing’s for sure: this tunnel saga is far from over.