Metro Detroit Workers Rescued After 20-Foot Trench Collapses: Police

WYANDOTTE, MI — Officials rescued two men who fell more than 20 feet after a trench collapsed in Wyandotte Tuesday night, according to police.

Officials said the sewer workers were digging a trench behind a home in the 2300 block of 17th Street at 7 p.m. Tuesday when the ground gave way.

The workers fell more than 20 feet, leaving them trapped inside the hole, according to police.

Rescue crews were called to the scene and used special equipment to help lift the men from the hole after several hours of intense work, according to police.

Both men were in stable condition, though a helicopter landed at Pulaski Park and took one of them to a nearby hospital for further treatment, according to police.

One of the workers was trapped in the hole for roughly four hours before being pulled out, according to police.

"Despite the rarity of their use, their work is incredibly specialized and underfunded," said Kevin Krause, director of community safety and economic development in Romulus. "Yet, in critical situations like this, the return on investment is immeasurable—two individuals were saved and can return home to their families and loved ones."

Officials were still trying to determine why the trench collapsed.