A 50-year-old worker has been rescued after becoming trapped waist-deep when a trench collapsed at a construction site in Oxford Township, Michigan.
The incident happened on Tuesday, 1 September, at the Brabb-Dewey subdivision, where workers were installing a new sewer system. Firefighters were called shortly before 4pm after part of the trench wall gave way as the man was walking alongside the excavation.
Oxford Township fire chief Matt Majestic said the worker fell beside a trench box, which probably prevented more serious injuries. He remained conscious and was able to communicate with rescuers throughout the operation.
Rescue teams stabilised the area with panels before using a vacuum truck to remove soil around the trapped man. Crews worked for more than four hours before freeing him at about 8.05pm.
Chief Majestic said the man was in good spirits and could move his toes while rescuers worked. After being released, he insisted on climbing a ladder out of the trench.
He was flown to a trauma centre for further assessment amid concerns about the effects of prolonged pressure from the soil on his muscles and circulation. No other injuries were reported.
The Oxford Fire Department requested assistance from the Oakland County technical rescue team, with between 75 and 100 emergency responders from surrounding agencies thought to have taken part.
The incident has been reported to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is expected to investigate the workplace injury.
