2 workers killed, 1 injured while working on sewer line in Mobile, Ala.

Two contractors working on a sewer line near Mobile, Ala., died Monday after becoming disoriented, and losing consciousness in a confined space, according to fire officials and Fox 10 News.  

Officials said the incident happened Monday afternoon in a wooded area, where workers were digging a sewer bypass to replace a pipe. Fire officials said that it appeared the workers became disoriented and lost consciousness, falling into a 20-foot ditch. A third worker attempted to follow and help, but was able to escape after also becoming disoriented. The third worker was taken to the hospital following the incident. 

While an official cause of death has not yet been named, fire-rescue spokesman Steven Millhouse cited possible toxic gas exposure.

Monica Allen, a spokeswoman for the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) told Fox 10 News, said that while it's too early to say with certainty what caused the tragedy, hydrogen sulfide – a colorless substance also known as “sewer gas” – is an ever-present danger when working on sewer lines.

Allen also confirmed that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was on site Monday as part of the investigation. She said MAWSS awarded Construction Labor Services a $2.3 million contract to install an 18-inch sewer line near Eight Mile Creek – part of a project that began in December.

Millhouse said a crew from Spire Inc. conducted testing and confirmed there was no gas when rescue workers went into the ditch. Rescue workers wore breathing apparatuses as a precaution.

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