STAMFORD, Conn. — A worker trapped in a trench collapse was rescued Friday morning in Stamford after a swift and coordinated effort by the city’s fire department and emergency personnel.
The Stamford Fire Department responded to a call at 24 Hampton Lane at 8:50 a.m., where they found a male worker buried up to his thighs in soil at the bottom of a trench. Despite being trapped, the worker was alert and conscious when first responders arrived.
Firefighters from Engine 8, Engine 5, Rescue 1, and Truck 1 initiated a technical rescue operation, stabilizing the trench with panels to prevent further collapse. Once the area was deemed secure, a paramedic from Stamford EMS entered the trench to assess the worker’s condition while firefighters carefully removed soil by hand-digging.
After 35 minutes, the worker was safely extricated in a stokes basket. He suffered an arm injury and symptoms of hypothermia and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Approximately 20 Stamford firefighters, EMS medics, police units, and a vacuum truck from Stamford Operations assisted at the scene. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) was notified and is investigating the incident.