Norwich Fatal Trench Collapse Probed: Police

NORWICH, CT — An investigation is ongoing into the fatal trench collapse that killed a 60-year-old worker Friday evening.

Police Sgt. Ken Wright said the accident happened Friday around 6:16 p.m. on Hamilton Court.

A worker, Michael Dirocco, 60, of Norwich, became partially buried in the trench when it collapsed, according to police.

Rescue crews extricated the man and began life-saving measures, police said. He was rushed via ambulance to William W. Backus Hospital, but he died due to his injuries.

The work was being conducted by a privately-owned business, which officials have not yet identified.

The trench had been excavated to connect a private residence’s sewer system to the city sewer line. The trench had been dug to be approximately 90 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 5 feet deep when the collapse happened, according to police.

Several agencies are involved in the ongoing probe into the accident, including the Norwich police and fire departments, Norwich Public Utilities, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Det. Heather Meikle at 860-886-5561, ext. 3155, or to use the department’s anonymous tip line at 860-886-5561, option #4. All information will be kept confidential.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the victim’s family, and it had raised $900 as of Monday afternoon.

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