KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ) – A tragedy at a workplace site in Kaukauna as authorities say a man dies when a trench he was digging collapsed Tuesday.
Kaukauna Fire-Rescue officials say they arrive on the scene at Packerland Home Improvement on Tower Drive around 3 p.m.
“It was pretty clear to see that it was a recovery mission right away at that point. So our biggest obligation was to get him out as safely as we can for all the responders,” Assistant Chief Chad Gerrits told FOX 11.
Gerrits says a contractor in his mid-40’s was working on a building expansion when the trench he was digging collapsed
According to Gerrits the responders do train to work with collapsed trenches.
“The big problem with the trench is when you have sides that collapse it’s obviously unstable,” he explained.
Crews dug for over 2 hours using heavy machinery until they were able to use hand tools.
“We got an end loader in to clear out some of the dirt so we can safely get him out, nobody else gets hurt,” Gerrits told us.
The victim was working with his father at the time and Gerrits says he tried to rescue his son after calling for help.
“He made some attempts, but, you know, when the police came they did the right thing and got him out of the trench, we don’t need two victims,” Gerrits explained.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate this incident.
