News Summary
A construction worker is trapped in a 6 to 7-foot hole at a Goodyear site, prompting a multi-agency recovery operation. Emergency responders quickly arrived but faced complications, including additional collapses and utility lines. As efforts continue, concerns about the worker’s status grow. Authorities are maintaining public safety and coordinating with utility companies while the community awaits updates on this tragic incident.
Goodyear, Arizona – A recovery operation is currently underway for a construction worker who became trapped in a hole at a construction site near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. The Goodyear Fire Department received reports of the incident around 1:10 p.m. on July 28, prompting a multi-agency response to assist in the ongoing situation.
The worker was reportedly stuck in a hole measuring between 6 to 7 feet deep. As of now, officials are unable to confirm the worker’s status, which has raised concerns about the possible outcome of the operation. Due to the complexities involved in the situation and safety issues, authorities had not been able to make physical contact with the individual trapped in the hole during the initial phase of the operation.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene within six minutes of the call, but the recovery efforts faced numerous complications. As rescue teams began their efforts, additional dirt collapsed into the hole, making it increasingly difficult for crews to safely access the worker. After approximately 30 minutes of attempted rescue operations, the focus shifted from rescue to a recovery effort.
Several agencies are collaborating on-site, including the Goodyear Police Department, the Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team, Arizona Public Service (APS), and Southwest Gas technicians. This multi-agency effort highlights the seriousness of the situation and the coordinated response necessary to ensure safety for both the trapped individual and rescue crews.
The presence of utility lines for gas, water, and communication infrastructure located below the hole has further complicated the recovery process. Emergency teams have taken precautions by diverting or shutting off these lines to facilitate the ongoing efforts. As of early this week, recovery operations were still active, with police confirming that crews are working closely with utility companies to accurately identify the locations of these lines.
In a move to safeguard public safety, Lower Buckeye Road has been closed in both directions in the vicinity of the construction site as recovery efforts continue. As the situation develops, authorities have remained cautious in sharing details about the worker, including their identity and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.
Goodyear Deputy Chief Jose Gonzalez has expressed condolences for the family and colleagues of the trapped worker, underscoring the emotional toll such incidents can have. The community is coming together, waiting for updates and hoping for a resolution to the tragic situation.
The precise details about the nature of the construction work the employee was engaged in at the time of the accident are still unknown, leaving many in the community questioning safety protocols and practices at such sites.
As the recovery operation progresses, emergency services remain committed to maintaining the safety of the public while addressing the tragic circumstances impacting the construction worker and those who know them. The coordination between multiple agencies reflects the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to resolving it as efficiently as possible.
Updates will be provided as the situation evolves, with authorities assuring the public that they are taking every precaution necessary during the recovery operation.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central
- Wikipedia: Construction
- AZ Family
- Google Search: Goodyear construction worker incident
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction site safety
- KTAR News
- Google News: Goodyear construction site incident
- ABC 15
- Google Scholar: Construction safety protocols
- 12 News
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
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