Construction worker killed in trench collapse near Prosperity, S.C.
NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. (UI) — A construction worker was killed when a trench collapsed while he was installing a water line, according to Newberry County authorities, as reported by News19 on Feb. 17.
Emergency crews responded around 10:50 a.m. to a 911 call about a worker trapped in a ditch near the intersection of Macedonia Church Road and Long Road, a few miles south of Prosperity.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived alongside crews from Fairview Fire Department and Lake Murray Rescue. Witnesses said the worker had been inside the trench assembling a pipe when the surrounding walls gave way, burying him.
Specialized rescue teams from Whitmire, Newberry Fire, Columbia Fire Department, and Lexington County Fire Services responded, bringing expertise in trench and confined space rescues.
Authorities said coworkers attempted to free the trapped worker before emergency teams arrived, though it is unclear how long those efforts lasted.
Neighbor Julie Bolland, who witnessed the emergency response, described the overwhelming presence of rescue vehicles. “There were at least 10 to 15 fire trucks, plus other vehicles, stretching for miles,” she told News19.
Despite extensive efforts, the worker could not be saved. The Newberry County Coroner’s Office is investigating the incident.
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