News Summary
A construction worker tragically lost his life due to a trench collapse in Goodyear, Arizona. Emergency responders faced significant challenges during the over 12-hour recovery operation. The incident has raised concerns about trench safety and prompted an investigation by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Family members expressed their grief over the loss. The event highlights the need for improved safety protocols in the construction industry to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Goodyear, Arizona – A tragic incident occurred on July 28 when a construction worker died following a trench collapse at a site situated near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. The worker was identified as Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., 44. Emergency responders rushed to the scene shortly after the incident, which took place around 1:10 p.m., but were met with numerous challenges, prolonging the recovery efforts to over 12 hours.
Upon receiving the emergency call, the Goodyear Fire Department arrived within six minutes. Baquera was found to be trapped under a significant amount of soil, which made immediate rescue attempts difficult. The unstable ground conditions combined with sensitive underground utilities, including gas lines, raised safety concerns for the first responders, leading to a more cautious approach as rescuers navigated the situation.
Initial assistance from Baquera’s coworkers was already in progress before official emergency services arrived. However, as the trench began to collapse further, authorities made the decision to shift to a more methodical recovery strategy approximately 30 minutes into their efforts. This allowed the rescue teams to ensure their safety while attempting to remove dirt carefully.
Goodyear Police Department and the Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team played significant roles in the prolonged recovery operation, which extended through the night. Police secured the site while various rescue entities, including utility workers from APS and Southwest Gas, collaborated to stabilize the area.
Baquera’s body was ultimately recovered around 2 a.m. on July 29, concluding a grueling effort that lasted for more than 12 hours. The incident has led the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) to open an investigation to ascertain the events that led to the tragic accident. The results of this investigation are anticipated to take four to five months before they become public.
In the wake of this tragedy, condolences have been extended by the Goodyear Fire and Police Departments to Baquera’s family, friends, and coworkers, who are grappling with the loss. Family members, notably Baquera’s mother of two, described their shock and grief. They emphasized that Baquera cherished family activities and was deeply devoted to loved ones.
Industry experts have suggested that the unfortunate incident could have been averted with proper training and the appropriate use of shoring equipment. This event is not isolated; it forms part of a concerning trend, as at least three other individuals have lost their lives in construction-related trench collapses in Arizona since 2019.
During the recovery operations, Rubicon Companies, which assisted in the efforts, specified that Baquera was not an employee of their company or any of their subcontractors. The construction site where the tragedy occurred is part of a new neighborhood development featuring the ongoing construction of single-family homes.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with construction work, particularly regarding trench safety. As the investigation takes place, authorities and construction companies alike are urged to implement stricter safety protocols to prevent future accidents and safeguard the lives of workers on such sites.
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Additional Resources
- AZCentral: Goodyear Construction Worker Dies
- ABC15: Recovery Efforts at Goodyear Construction Site
- 12 News: Goodyear Construction Worker Identified
- ABC15: AM Roundup on Goodyear Trench Collapse
- Wikipedia: Construction Accidents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
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