Estimated reading time: less than a minute
TAYLOR, Weber County – A man who was completely buried in a collapsed trench at a muddy construction site was rescued Monday by a worker who dug him out with a backhoe.
The man was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
The incident happened about 9:45 a.m. in a new subdivision under construction in unincorporated Weber County near 3500 West and 1800 South, Weber County Deputy Fire Chief David Reed said.
A man in his 20s jumped into the muddy trench before it collapsed, burying him; a worker next door came with a backhoe and pulled the man out. Reed said using a backhoe is a dangerous way to dig someone out, and it could hurt them instead of help them, but in this situation, the man’s life was saved.
The man was conscious when medical help arrived.
The Weber Fire District said when working in a trench deeper than 4 feet, workers should use a trench box to prevent collapse.
