News Summary
Emergency responders are conducting a recovery operation after a construction worker became trapped in a collapsed hole at a building site in Goodyear. The incident, involving multiple agencies, began when the Goodyear Fire Department received a call for help. Rescuers faced challenges due to ongoing collapses and the need to manage utility lines. Although the operation transitioned to recovery, officials have not yet confirmed the worker’s condition. Safety measures were put in place as authorities continue to address the situation and ensure public safety in the area.
Recovery Operation Underway in Goodyear After Construction Worker Becomes Trapped
Goodyear, AZ – Emergency responders are actively working on a recovery operation after a construction worker became trapped in a hole at a building site near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road on July 28. The incident has prompted the involvement of multiple Valley agencies as efforts continue to locate and recover the individual.
Timeline of Events
The Goodyear Fire Department received the initial call shortly after 1:10 p.m. on that day. Field crews arrived at the scene within six minutes to assess the situation and begin rescue efforts. The worker was reported to be stuck in a six- to seven-foot-deep hole that had collapsed around him, complicating rescue attempts.
Current Status of the Rescue Effort
As rescue operations progressed, authorities faced increasing challenges. Additional dirt and debris continued to collapse into the hole, making physical contact with the trapped worker impossible during the initial phases. Due to these dangers, rescuers opted for a cautious approach, prioritizing safety and stability prior to attempting extraction.
The operation transitioned from a rescue to a recovery effort approximately 30 minutes after it began. This change reflects the assessment that the worker may not have survived the incident, though officials have not confirmed any such information publicly. For safety, utility lines for gas, water, and communication located beneath the site had to be identified, diverted, and shut off to facilitate the recovery process.
Coordination and Involved Agencies
The complex operation involves coordination between several agencies, including:
- The Goodyear Police Department
- The Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team
- Arizona Public Service (APS)
- Southwest Gas workers
The teams are working together to identify the exact locations of utility lines and ensure that no further infrastructure issues occur during recovery efforts.
Additional Challenges Encountered
During ongoing efforts, additional soil and debris continued to fall into the hole, further complicating the rescue. The utility lines for gas, water, and communications posed significant hazards, requiring careful rerouting and shutoff procedures by utility workers.
Impact on the Area and Public Safety Measures
The area surrounding Lower Buckeye Road was closed in both directions to accommodate rescue operations and safety measures. The road closure is expected to remain in place until authorities complete their work and remove the trapped individual.
Information on the Worker and Further Details
At this time, officials have not released the identity of the injured worker or details regarding the circumstances of the incident. Goodyear Deputy Chief Jose Gonzalez expressed condolences to the worker’s family and colleagues, acknowledging the ongoing efforts of rescue personnel.
Ongoing Efforts and Outlook
As of Monday evening, rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing. Crews continue working in coordination with utility companies to verify the locations of underground lines and to safely retrieve the worker. Authorities have not specified a timeline for when the operation will conclude but assured the public that safety remains the top priority.
This incident underscores the inherent dangers present at construction sites and the critical importance of safety protocols and proper planning to minimize such risks.
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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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