A married man in Tijuana, Mexico, was discovered after spending months constructing an elaborate underground tunnel between his home and that of his lover, authorities reported.
The clandestine passage was revealed when the lover’s husband noticed unusual sounds and structural irregularities in their house.
Municipal police confirmed that the tunnel, stretching approximately 40 feet in length, connected the two residences located in the Villas del Prado 1 neighborhood.
The passage, measuring roughly three feet in diameter, was equipped with wooden supports, electrical wiring, and ventilation systems.
The construction came to light when the lover’s husband began investigating strange noises and noticed portions of their concrete floor appeared to have been tampered with. Upon breaking through the floor, he discovered the sophisticated tunnel system.
“The level of engineering involved in this construction is remarkable, albeit misguided,” said Jorge Alvarez, a local structural engineer who examined the tunnel. “The builder clearly had some knowledge of underground construction techniques.”
Neighbours reported seeing the married man, whose identity has not been released by authorities, frequently working on what he claimed was a home improvement project.
Several residents noticed him disposing of large amounts of soil over several months but didn’t question his activities.
“He would always be covered in dirt and said he was fixing a drainage problem,” said Maria Hernandez, a resident who lives nearby. “Now we understand what was really happening.”
The tunnel’s discovery has raised concerns about potential structural damage to both properties.
Local building officials are conducting assessments to determine if the unauthorized excavation has compromised the foundations of either home or surrounding structures.
The married man reportedly fled the scene when confronted by the woman’s husband and has not returned to his residence.
Local authorities are investigating the incident but have not filed formal charges, as both affected parties have declined to pursue legal action.
The incident has drawn parallel comparisons to other famous tunnel discoveries in the region, though officials emphasize this case is unique in its romantic rather than criminal motivation.
City officials have since sealed the tunnel and ordered structural reinforcements to both properties to prevent potential collapse. The total cost of remediation will be determined after complete structural assessments are completed.
Editor’s Note: This story is based on reports from Tijuana municipal police statements and local news outlets. The incident occurred in the Villas del Prado 1 neighbourhood of Tijuana, Mexico in late 2020.