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Young building worker dies in trench collapse on ‘luxury’ homes development
The Bradford Telegraph and Argus has reported that a 23-year-old workman has died at a homes development in Heaton, Bradford. The incident occurred after an excavation was opened on the site.
Emergency services struggled to rescue the workman from a collapsed trench. Lengths of timber was used by the emergency services to shore up the excavation sides. Council Highways Department staff were also called on help make the area safe.
It took some 7 hours to finally retrieve the deceased workman from the trench.
“It just happened too quickly”
A neighbour heard one of the contractors shout for help and described how he saw the horrified man try to pull his colleague out of the trench.
The witness said:
“It all just happened too quickly, in seconds. The earth caught his friend, he didn’t have a chance. He was trying to grab his arm and run with him along the trench to get him out but he couldn’t do it. He managed to clear his face, then he was trying to dig with a shovel. We were all ringing 999.”
West Yorkshire Police spokesman said:
“We can confirm the body of a 23-year-old local man has been recovered from the trench. It is believed the man had been working in the trench at the time of the incident. Inquiries are ongoing.”
The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and is carrying out investigations.