Google Maps Uncovers Chilling Message Hidden in Los Angeles Rail Yard

Over the weekend, internet sleuths on X.com spotted a disturbing message in a satellite image taken on Google Maps. Though difficult to see at a distance, zooming in on a section of LA reveals a chilling plea written out on the ground more than a dozen times.

The satellite footage in question was taken at 549 N Mission Rd. in Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles, California. At the time this article was published, the words “Help” can be seen clearly written repeatedly in the dirt. That’s not all, either. Among these messages are a handful of additional words, including “Trafico,” “LAPD,” “Federal,” and some others that are too difficult to make out.

The location in question appears to be positioned just southwest of the LATC Union Pacific SPACR/9093 rail yard, though there’s no evidence that Union Pacific is connected to the event at this time.

Adding to the mystery, Google Maps isn’t the only place where the cryptic messages appeared. “Help” can also be seen on Here Maps. When checking Apple Maps and Bing Maps, however, the messages are missing entirely. Unfortunately, since none of the map services mark the exact date and time that photos are taken, it’s impossible to know exactly how long these messages have been in place.

Some on social media have questioned the validity of the desperate plea, calling it a prank or a hoax. Given the range and frequency of the words, it must’ve taken such a considerable amount of effort to carefully lay out each letter that it’s hard to believe this could’ve been done quickly or discreetly. Whether or not the people responsible are in actual imminent danger remains a mystery.

Regardless of where the facts lie in this curious discovery, you can look up the message for yourself by typing the following coordinates into Google Maps or Here Maps: 34°03'18.0"N 118°13'30.0"W