Construction worker dies in collapsed trench

GOODYEAR, AZ – A construction site in Goodyear turned tragic when a worker became trapped and later presumed dead after a collapse on Thursday. The incident unfolded near Lower Buckeye and Citrus Roads, where a man was working approximately six feet underground.

Emergency services received the first distress call at around 1:10 p.m., and within minutes, first responders rushed to the scene. Despite their swift arrival, efforts to rescue the individual were hampered by unstable ground conditions.

According to police, the worker was part of a construction crew performing routine tasks when the ground gave way, burying him under layers of dirt. His colleagues immediately called 911 and attempted a rescue, but their efforts were thwarted as more soil continued to collapse around the trapped man.

Goodyear police explained the challenge: each attempt to remove earth resulted in further collapse, complicating rescue operations. Within 30 minutes, the situation was deemed too perilous for a rescue, transitioning instead to a recovery mission.

Complicating matters further, several utility lines in the area posed additional hazards, slowing the recovery process. As teams worked tirelessly to retrieve the man’s body, an investigation was launched to determine the circumstances leading to the collapse.

The scene remained active for hours as crews meticulously navigated the challenging environment. Authorities are now focused on understanding what went wrong to prevent future tragedies.

The incident has left the community and the worker’s colleagues in shock, underscoring the inherent dangers of construction work. Goodyear police and fire departments continue to collaborate in the ongoing investigation.