News Summary
A recovery operation is currently in progress in Goodyear after a construction worker became trapped in a hole at a construction site. Emergency responders reached the scene shortly after the incident was reported. The depth of the hole posed significant challenges, leading to the transition from a rescue to a recovery effort due to further collapses. Multiple agencies, including local fire and police departments, are coordinating their responses as they navigate potential utility hazards in the area. The worker’s identity remains unknown, and Lower Buckeye Road has been closed to ensure safety during recovery operations.
Goodyear, Arizona – Recovery Operation Underway After Worker Trapped at Construction Site
Multiple agencies in the Valley are currently engaged in a recovery operation for a construction worker who has become trapped in a hole at a site located near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road in Goodyear. The incident was reported to the Goodyear Fire Department at approximately 1:10 p.m. on July 28.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene within six minutes of the initial call. Upon their arrival, they discovered that the worker was trapped in a hole measuring between 6 and 7 feet deep. However, due to the complex nature of the incident and safety concerns, rescuers were unable to make physical contact with the worker during the early stages of the operation.
As rescue efforts continued, complications arose when additional dirt collapsed into the hole, which significantly impeded the operation. In light of this, the focus of the operation transitioned from a rescue attempt to a recovery effort approximately 30 minutes after responders arrived.
Involved in the recovery operations are the Goodyear Fire Department, Goodyear Police Department, the Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team, Arizona Public Service (APS), and Southwest Gas workers. These agencies are coordinating their efforts to respond to the complexities of the situation, including the presence of gas, water, and communication utility lines located beneath the hole. To facilitate the recovery operation, utility lines were either diverted or shut off.
As of Monday evening, recovery operations were still ongoing. Crews continue to work diligently with utility companies to establish the precise locations of the underground lines, ensuring a safe recovery process. Throughout the effort, the Goodyear Deputy Chief, Jose Gonzalez, expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the trapped worker, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
At this time, no further information has been provided regarding the identity of the trapped worker or the specifics surrounding the incident. The type of construction work the man was engaged in at the time of the accident remains unknown.
In response to the ongoing recovery efforts, Lower Buckeye Road has been closed in both directions near the construction site to facilitate the responders’ work and to ensure public safety during this challenging operation.
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with construction work and the critical importance of safety measures at work sites. As the recovery effort continues, the focus remains on safely bringing the trapped worker to the surface while managing the challenges presented by the surrounding environment and utility infrastructure.
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HERE Resources
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
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