Stop-work order issued after trench collapse critically injures worker in Valley Cottage, N.Y.

(UI) — A stop-work order has been issued at a residential construction site in Valley Cottage, N.Y., following a trench collapse that left a 25-year-old worker in critical condition, as reported by News 12 Hudson Valley.

The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 17 near Smith Street and Route 9W. Clarkstown police said a worker from Newburgh was inside a trench when the walls gave way, burying him beneath a large volume of soil. Coworkers were able to pull him from the excavation before emergency crews arrived.

First responders described the worker’s injuries as severe.

Greer said paramedics initiated advanced life-saving measures immediately after loading the worker into the ambulance.

The worker was transported first to Montefiore Nyack Hospital and later transferred to Westchester Medical Center. His current condition has not been publicly updated.

According to News 12 Hudson Valley, the project site is associated with the Crystal Lake condominiums development, which town records show includes plans for 12 buildings totaling 30 units on just over six acres.

Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann confirmed the town’s building department issued a stop-work order following the collapse. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also been notified and has opened an investigation. OSHA officials have up to six months to complete their review and are not releasing additional information during the process.

Clarkstown police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse. No construction activity was observed at the site the day after the incident, and the developer and construction contractor have not publicly commented.

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