Two construction workers were thought to have died on Friday while digging a trench. in collapsed in St. Paul.
The collapse happened around 3 p.m. at the intersection. of Pinehurst Avenue and Mount Creve Boulevard in Highland Park area. Fire brigades were told two workers were trapped when the walls of trench they worked in gave way.
By Friday night, considering amount of past tense and amount of material which collapsed, the crews went from rescue to recovery mission.
“It’s been too long,” Assistant Fire Chief Matt Simpson told FOX 9. news. recovery the effort continued until night.
Neighbors say construction is underway. on for about two months. Flat building next to the trench also was under construction. Many watchers stood guard over the scene as the firefighters stabilized the trench and tried to free the workers.
“His just absolutely tragic,” Saint Paul City Councilman Chris Tolbert said as he walked toward the scene. — We pray for a miracle. Our fire Department best in what they do, but like I said we just pray for a miracle.”
Officials do not release names of those in the trench or the company that hired them. Crews of the St. Paul Police and fire departments and Saint Paul public works were among those involved in rescue efforts.
The National Association of Utility Contractors noted that June is “Trench Safety Month,” reminding businesses to take precautions as busy construction season begins. About a dozen workers died. in the trench is collapsing across the country in each of in past two years, according to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Investigator with OSHA was at the scene of Friday Crash.
Staff writer Cathy Galioto contributed to this report.
