Miami Construction Worker Rescued From Underground Trench

MIAMI, FL — A construction worker was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center early Wednesday after he became trapped below ground for a time late Tuesday night when the wall of a 6-foot underground trench gave way near 39th Street and North Federal Highway.

The incident unfolded shortly after 11 p.m. as a construction crew was working on an underground gas line that runs along Federal Highway, according to Captain Ignatius Carroll, Jr.

"Firefighters from the Technical Rescue Team arrived to find an adult male trapped in an excavated area that was about 6 feet below the ground," explained Carroll. "Heavy Rescue 6 personnel quickly secured the area and began rescue operations. Additional units were dispatched to assist with logistical support."

Carroll said the safety foreman told first responders that workers used on-site construction equipment to keep a large steel plate and concrete slab from falling on the worker prior to the arrival of first responders.

"Due to the confined conditions, firefighters began slowly digging using small shovels and 5-gallon buckets," said Carroll. Paramedics monitored the worker's condition during the rescue operation.

"After about an hour of digging, he was safely removed and transported to Ryder Trauma Center in stable condition," said Carroll.

Northbound and southbound traffic along federal highway was being rerouted from 39 street to 41 street to allow OSHA to conduct an investigation.