Major Recovery Operation for Trapped Construction Worker

Categories: National Construction NewsNews

Rescue teams collaborate in a recovery operation for a trapped worker at a Goodyear construction site.

News Summary

A significant recovery operation is in progress after a construction worker became trapped in a 6 to 7-foot deep hole at a construction site. Multiple agencies, including the Goodyear Fire Department and Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team, are collaborating to recover the worker. As the operation evolved from a rescue attempt to a recovery effort, the presence of buried utility lines complicated the situation. Authorities have closed Lower Buckeye Road to ensure safety during the ongoing recovery efforts as condolences are expressed for the trapped worker’s family.

Goodyear – A major recovery operation is underway following an incident where a construction worker became trapped in a hole at a construction site near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road on July 28. Multiple agencies from the Valley are coordinating their efforts to address the complex situation.

The Goodyear Fire Department received a call reporting the incident at approximately 1:10 p.m. Upon arrival, responders discovered that the worker had become stuck in a hole between 6 to 7 feet deep. Due to the precarious nature of the situation and safety concerns, rescuers were unable to establish physical contact with the trapped individual during the initial operation.

In response, the Goodyear Fire Department arrived on the scene within six minutes. The recovery operation quickly expanded to include the Goodyear Police Department, Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team, Arizona Public Service (APS), and Southwest Gas workers. Together, these agencies have been working diligently to devise a safe plan to recover the worker.

As rescue efforts progressed, additional dirt collapsed into the hole, further complicating the operation. After approximately 30 minutes, the situation transitioned from a rescue attempt to a recovery effort. Utility lines for gas, water, and communication were found to be located below the hole, which added to the complexity and risks involved in the recovery process. Utility crews diverted or shut off these lines to facilitate the ongoing operation safely.

As of Monday evening, police reported that recovery efforts were still ongoing. Crews are collaborating with utility companies to pinpoint the exact locations of the buried utility lines. Although several agencies are engaged in the operation, specific details regarding the worker’s identity and the circumstances leading to the incident have not been released.

In light of the tragedy, Goodyear Deputy Chief Jose Gonzalez has expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the trapped worker. The emotional toll of such an event undoubtedly weighs heavily on those involved, both in the recovery operation and within the local construction community.

In relation to the incident, Lower Buckeye Road has been closed in both directions to ensure the safety of rescuers and the public while the recovery efforts continue. Authorities are yet to clarify the specific type of construction work the trapped individual was engaged in at the time of the incident, but the complex nature of construction sites often brings inherent risks.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers present in construction environments and the importance of safety protocols. As the recovery operation continues, it remains crucial for all involved to work efficiently and safely in the hopes of providing closure for the worker’s family and colleagues.

Authorities will provide further updates as more information becomes available regarding the situation and the recovery process thus far. Community members are encouraged to remain clear of the area surrounding the construction site to ensure the safety of both responders and bystanders during this delicate operation.