Construction Worker Hospitalized After Trench Collapse In West Bloomfield
WEST BLOOMFIELD (WWJ) - A construction worker was rushed to the hospital after a trench collapsed Tuesday in West Bloomfield.
According to fire officials, a crew was digging the trench, on Middlebelt between Walnut Lake and Lone Pine Roads, when the accident happened.
West Bloomfield Fire Chief Jay Wiseman said one of the crew members was down in the hole working to install some pipes when the walls began to come down around him.
"He was walking in the trench and one of the walls started to give way," Wiseman said. "He started to run away from the collapse, and an identical collapse happened on the other side of the trench, actually landing on top of him — burying him completely."
Fortunately, the man's co-workers were able to use their hands to dig him out.
"... It sounds like he was trapped in an area that was like an air pocket, because they could hear him screaming, according to the co-workers here," Wiseman said. "They were trying to dig him out by hand; and they were able to get him partially exposed very quickly, and he was able to assist getting himself out the rest of the way."
Wiseman said the man was conscious and walking when paramedics arrived; but he'd suffered multiple injuries.
His condition was unknown Tuesday afternoon, and his name was not released.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MIOSHA) is investigating the site for potential safety violations.