News Summary
A construction worker lost his life after a trench collapse in Goodyear, leading to a 12-hour recovery operation. Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., 44, was trapped under dirt when the trench fell. Despite swift action from emergency responders, the situation worsened, necessitating a coordinated effort for recovery amidst challenges. The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health has launched an investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for safety training in the construction industry. Baquera is remembered as a devoted father as the community mourns his untimely death.
Goodyear, Arizona – A construction worker tragically lost his life after being trapped in a trench on July 28, leading to an extensive recovery operation that spanned over 12 hours. The incident, which occurred at a construction site near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road, began shortly after 1:10 p.m.
The worker, identified as Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., 44, was buried under a significant volume of dirt when the trench collapsed. The Goodyear Fire Department responded promptly to the emergency call and arrived on the scene within six minutes. However, the recovery effort faced challenges due to unstable ground conditions and the presence of sensitive underground infrastructure, including utility gas lines.
Initial rescue operations were underway even before emergency services arrived at the site. Colleagues of Baquera made attempts to reach him, but the situation quickly deteriorated as the trench continued to collapse. After approximately 30 minutes of unsuccessful rescue attempts, officials shifted to a more methodical recovery approach. Police secured the area to ensure the safety of both rescue personnel and nearby residents.
Rescue and recovery operations involved multiple agencies, including the Goodyear Police Department, the Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team, and utility workers from APS and Southwest Gas. Despite the complexities of the situation, rescue teams worked tirelessly, and Baquera’s body was eventually recovered at around 2 a.m. on July 29.
In the wake of the incident, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) has initiated an investigation. The investigation is expected to take four to five months to complete, after which the findings will be made public. In the meantime, the Goodyear Fire and Police Departments have expressed their condolences to Baquera’s family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time.
Baquera is remembered as a devoted father of two, with family members sharing their deep shock and grief over his untimely death. They highlighted his love for family activities and the impact his loss will have on those who knew him. The incident raises serious concerns within the construction industry, as an expert has indicated that the accident might have been preventable with proper safety training and the use of shoring equipment to support trench walls.
Trench collapses pose significant risks in construction settings, and the dangers of such accidents are underscored by the fact that at least three people have died due to similar incidents in Arizona since 2019. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols to protect workers on construction sites.
While the recovery operation concluded with the recovery of Baquera’s body, the construction site where the incident occurred is part of a developing neighborhood where new single-family homes are being built. Rubicon Companies, involved in the recovery process, clarified that Baquera was not an employee of their company or its subcontractors.
The investigation by ADOSH will further evaluate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, with the hope of improving safety standards and preventing future accidents in the construction industry.
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Additional Resources
- AZCentral: Goodyear Construction Worker Dies
- ABC15: Recovery Efforts at Goodyear Construction Site
- 12 News: Goodyear Construction Worker Identified
- ABC15: AM Roundup on Goodyear Trench Collapse
- Wikipedia: Construction Accidents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
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