Dylan Murray
TikTok is home to a myriad of unique and creative content, but one user has gone viral for a rather unexpected reason.
While a lot of TikTok users gain their followers by dancing, sharing life tips, or simply producing anything that the masses are willing to engage with, Kala, an engineer from Northern Virginia has been enticing viewers by getting her hands dirty.
Kala, who posts under the username @engineer.everything, has spent several years uploading updates on her 'underground tunnel system', first embarking on the unique endeavor in August 2022.
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The tunnel system is located 22 feet below ground and leads to a storm shelter, but building it has been more difficult than you’d think.
Kala has spent months ensuring the tunnel is fully functional and safe, two things that come to be with a lot of hard work.
By cutting through concrete, building an elevator shaft to move material, pumping out water, and installing ventilation and electricity, Kala has revealed the many small details that must be addressed when making a massive underground tunnel.
Viewers have praised Kala for her efforts, but the city has been less excited about her ongoing tunnel-related activities.
The TikToker recalled a conversation she'd had with city officials regarding the tunnels, telling viewers: "They did give me a stop work order and are requiring an immediate evaluation by a professional engineer."
Kala went on to note that the tunnel is constructed 'entirely below the slab of [her] house', meaning it 'shouldn’t be too hard to get the permits and approval'.
However, even a year following the initial pushback, Kala continues to be engaged in discussions with the city to continue working on the tunnel. While she has acquired a permit, there are still several tests and inspections that must be done to ensure the safety of the underground structure.
As Kala continues to fight for her right to make the underground tunnel system, one of her neighbors has spoken out about the impacts of her work.
In an interview with WUSA9, the man, identified only as David, brought attention to the lack of safety precautions he believed the engineer was taking in her work.
“It’s definitely a first,” he admitted. “It’s concerning during the day that there’s a lot of noise being made but nothing that would truly bother us to call the authorities in any way."
While she has required permits for her work, Kala’s most recent struggle was getting flagged for her ventilation system, which was deemed to be too small and not up to code.
However, following an air quality check from an inspector, Kala’s measurements were proven to be correct and she was given the go-ahead to continue using the ventilation system she had in place.
Viewers have been totally taken by Kala’s incredible experiment, questioning what’s next for the hardworking engineer and supporting her through her ongoing difficulties with the city.
“Welp, I'm fully invested,” one said. "Do we have a goal, or are we just expressing ourselves through tunneling?"
Another commenter joked: “Even with all the hurdles, they can’t take the breath of determination out of Kala’s lungs… or her tunnel!”