Two people rescued from deep trench at Colorado construction site

In Colorado's Arapahoe County, two individuals were trapped in a trench at a construction site, prompting a swift response from emergency services. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, shortly after 7:30 a.m., when South Metro Fire Rescue received reports of the situation. Firefighters arrived at the scene and discovered that the trench was 75 feet long, measuring 10 feet wide and 5 feet deep. They quickly assessed the situation and initiated rescue operations while taking necessary safety precautions to avoid further collapse. By 8:30 a.m., a technical rescue team from SMFR had descended into the trench to assist the trapped individuals. Over a dozen police officers and firefighters were present, coordinating the effort to shore up the trench's sides to ensure the safety of both the rescuers and the victims. Rescue operations were complicated by the need for a stable environment for the individuals within the trench. Around 8:45 a.m., the rescue teams successfully extricated both individuals from the trench. One of the individuals sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital for evaluation. Fortunately, the other person appeared to be unharmed. The quick response and collaborative efforts of the fire and rescue teams minimized potential physical harm and ensured a favorable outcome for those involved. Such incidents are a reminder of the inherent dangers in construction work, especially when it comes to trenching, which can be prone to collapses. Safety measures and protocols are essential to safeguard workers during excavation activities and emphasize the importance of training for emergency responders in handling rescue situations effectively.