Dozens of crews helped rescue a construction worker trapped inside a trench in Northern Virginia, in a dramatic operation that took eight hours to complete.
Witnesses in the area of Lexington and Venice streets in Falls Church said the worker was 15 feet inside a trench at the time when it collapsed on top of him, trapping him up to the waist.
The rescue began around 4 p.m. Thursday and concluded just after midnight.
The attempted tactical rescue was made even more complicated by several days worth of rain saturating the ground. Rescuers placed tubing around the worker to alleviate pressure and provide warmth during attempted rescues.
Neighbors told News4 construction workers had been on scene since Wednesday digging the trench.
"They were replacing a water and sewer line next door and apparently the excavation caved in," neighbor Nina Andgren said.
He's finally out! Construction worker in Falls Church RESCUED! @nbcwashington @MilaMimica1 pic.twitter.com/uRQwCIKK9Z
— Erika Gonzalez (@erika_news) June 13, 2014
The worker, who was conscious when he was pulled from the ditch, was taken to the hospital in serious condition.
OSHA is on the site to conduct an investigation into the collapse.
