Worker freed after trench collapse in downtown Minneapolis
A worker has been freed after being trapped for three hours in a trench that collapsed at a construction site in downtown Minneapolis.
Deputy Minneapolis Fire Chief Todd White says the worker was talking, alert and in stable condition when he was lifted out in a stretcher-basket around 11 a.m. Monday. The man was placed in an ambulance and taken to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment.
A wall at the below-ground site gave way just after 8 a.m. The worker was alone and was trapped in sand up to his knees. One of his legs was caught in shoring that also collapsed. The rescue took a while because of unstable conditions caused by recent heavy rain.
“This isn't a snatch and grab effort with back trucks,” White said. “So we have to go meticulously by hand, by shoring and working slowly so there is less of a collapse.”
The cause of the collapse is under investigation.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.