Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
(UI) - A trench collapse at a sewer construction site in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, left one worker dead and two others injured on Tuesday morning, according to the Yarmouth Fire Department.
The collapse occurred around 8:50 a.m. near Parker’s River Beach along South Shore Drive, where crews were working on a sewer infrastructure project. According to FireRescue1 News, one worker was able to climb out on his own, while another was trapped up to his waist and a third was fully buried.
Fire crews launched a full technical rescue response, recalling off-duty personnel and spending several hours stabilizing the site and removing soil. The partially buried worker was freed at approximately 1:20 p.m. and airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital. The third worker was recovered around 2:45 p.m. and pronounced deceased, FireRescue1 reported.
Local, state, and federal agencies are now investigating the incident, which highlights ongoing safety risks associated with trenching and excavation work in underground utility construction.
Related News
From Archive
- Inside Sempra’s 72-mile pipeline with 18 major trenchless crossings
- Trump vetoes bill to finish $1.3 billion Colorado water pipeline
- PHMSA warns of heat risks in aging plastic gas distribution pipelines following deadly Pennsylvania explosion
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- OSHA seeks $1.2 million fine after fatal trench collapse in Connecticut
- Worm-like robot burrows underground to cut power line installation costs
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Construction jobs stumble into 2026 after weak year
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
Comments