News Summary
A construction worker in Goodyear has become trapped in a deep hole, prompting a multi-agency recovery operation. Emergency responders faced challenges due to safety concerns and further collapses, shifting efforts from rescue to recovery. Utility lines in the area complicated the situation, and road closures were enforced. The worker’s condition remains unclear as the community hopes for a positive outcome.
Goodyear Construction Worker Trapped in Recovery Operation
Goodyear, Ariz. – A serious incident at a construction site near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road has led to a complex recovery operation for a construction worker who became trapped in a hole approximately 6 to 7 feet deep. Multiple agencies have mobilized to assist in the effort, which began shortly after the Goodyear Fire Department received an initial distress call at around 1:10 p.m. on July 28.
The operation has drawn the participation of several local agencies, including the Goodyear Police Department, Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team, Arizona Public Service (APS), and Southwest Gas workers. Following the incident, emergency responders arrived at the scene within six minutes, but safety concerns prevented them from making immediate contact with the trapped worker.
As the recovery operation progressed, conditions worsened. Rescue efforts were made more challenging when additional dirt collapsed into the hole, prompting a shift from a rescue to a recovery effort approximately 30 minutes after the initial response. The nature of the construction work the trapped individual was engaged in at the time of the incident remains unclear at this time.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Utility lines for gas, water, and communication were located below the hole, raising further challenges for the teams involved. In response to these complications, utility lines were either diverted or shut off to ensure the safety of the operation. Recovery efforts continued into Monday evening, and crews are actively collaborating with utility companies to pinpoint the exact locations of these lines. As a result, Lower Buckeye Road has been closed in both directions in the vicinity of the construction site.
As of now, there has been no confirmation regarding the worker’s condition, and no additional details about the individual’s identity or the circumstances leading to the accident have been released. A spokesperson from the Glendale Fire Department stated that they could not confirm whether the worker had died. Goodyear Deputy Chief Jose Gonzalez expressed condolences for the worker’s family and colleagues during this distressing time.
Background on the Incident
Trench collapses pose significant safety risks in the construction industry, often necessitating prompt intervention from emergency services. These incidents can arise from a variety of factors, including soil conditions and improper protective measures. First responders are trained to manage such scenarios carefully, prioritizing safety for both the trapped individual and the rescue personnel. This particular incident reflects the complexities and dangers associated with construction work, especially when working with heavy machinery and excavation equipment.
As the situation develops, the Goodyear community remains hopeful for a positive outcome while the recovery operation continues. Updates on the worker’s condition and the recovery efforts will be closely monitored by all involved agencies as they navigate this challenging scenario.
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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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