Tragedy struck a Massachusetts work site on Tuesday when a trench collapse resulted in one fatality and left two others injured.
The accident unfolded at approximately 8:50 a.m. outside The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House in Yarmouth, located on Cape Cod.
Yarmouth Fire Chief Enrique Arrascue reported that the individuals involved were engaged in a sewer construction project at the time of the incident.
Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered that one worker was trapped up to the waist by debris. “Another individual bravely leaped in to assist and found himself caught in the collapse as well,” explained Arrascue.
Fortunately, the second worker managed to extricate himself from the rubble and was subsequently taken to Cape Cod Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the worker who was partially buried endured a lengthy rescue operation, culminating in an airlift to the Rhode Island Hospital trauma center around 2 p.m.
“The situation was complicated by ongoing collapses within the trench as we worked to free him,” Arrascue added.
The body of the deceased worker was recovered before 3 p.m. No further details were provided.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it was investigating the incident.
