News Summary
In a tragic incident in Goodyear, Arizona, a construction worker was killed after being trapped in a collapsed trench at a job site. The worker, Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., was buried under dirt when the trench gave way, prompting over 12 hours of emergency rescue efforts. Despite the rapid response from local fire departments, the unstable conditions hindered the operation. The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health has launched an investigation, highlighting the risks and safety concerns surrounding trench work in the region.
Goodyear, Arizona — Worker Dies Following Trench Collapse During Construction
In a tragic incident in Goodyear, Arizona, a construction worker lost his life after becoming trapped in a trench at a site near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. The accident occurred around 1:10 p.m. on July 28, prompting immediate emergency response efforts that lasted over 12 hours.
Details of the Incident
The worker, identified as Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., aged 44, was reportedly buried under a significant amount of dirt when the trench unexpectedly collapsed. Initial rescue attempts were undertaken by fellow workers on the scene before emergency services arrived, with efforts complicated by unstable ground conditions and underground infrastructure, including gas lines managed by utility companies.
Rescue Operations and Response
The Goodyear Fire Department responded swiftly, arriving on scene within six minutes of the emergency call. Assistance was also provided by the Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team and utility workers from Arizona Public Service (APS) and Southwest Gas. Despite ongoing rescue attempts, the trench continued to collapse intermittently as responders worked to free the trapped worker, leading to a shift in strategy to a more systematic recovery approach after approximately 30 minutes.
Police officers secured the perimeter to keep the scene safe while rescue operations persisted through the night. The recovery of Baquera’s remains was completed around 2 a.m. on July 29, concluding a lengthy effort that spanned more than 12 hours.
Investigation and Safety Measures
The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the trench collapse. The agency has indicated that the investigation will take approximately four to five months to finalize and publish its findings.
Officials and safety experts note that the incident might have been preventable through improved safety measures. An industry safety professional suggested that proper training, shoring equipment, and adherence to safety protocols are critical, especially in trench work which has seen multiple fatalities in Arizona over the past few years. It is reported that at least three individuals have died in trench collapse incidents since 2019 across the state.
Reactions and Impact
The Goodyear Fire and Police Departments expressed their condolences to Baquera’s family, friends, and colleagues. Baquera’s family, especially his mother, shared their grief and shock over the loss. Baquera was a father of two children, and his loved ones described him as someone who cherished family activities and had a deep love for his loved ones.
Additional Context and Site Details
The construction site where the accident occurred was part of a developing residential neighborhood with houses under construction nearby. Rubicon Companies, which assisted in coordinating the recovery efforts, clarified that the deceased worker was not employed directly by them or by any subcontractors working on-site.
Historical Data and Safety Concerns
Construction-related trench collapses continue to pose significant safety risks in Arizona. Since 2019, at least three fatalities resulting from such incidents have been recorded in the state. Industry experts emphasize the importance of rigorous safety practices and adequate training to prevent future tragedies.
This incident underscores the ongoing need for strict safety standards and the vital role of proper excavation and shoring techniques to protect workers during trenching operations.
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Additional Resources
- AZCentral: Goodyear Construction Worker Dies
- ABC15: Recovery Efforts at Goodyear Construction Site
- 12 News: Goodyear Construction Worker Identified
- ABC15: AM Roundup on Goodyear Trench Collapse
- Wikipedia: Construction Accidents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
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