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Crews Rescue Construction Worker Partially Buried In Trench

LAWRENCEVILLE (KDKA) – A construction worker was rescued after being partially buried in a trench Thursday morning.

According to officials, the incident happened at a construction site near the intersection of 46th and Bancroft Streets shortly before 9 a.m.

Construction workers were digging a trench for a townhouse complex when dirt collapsed around the worker. He was buried up to his waist in 18 feet of sand, clay and top soil, but crews pulled him out around 10:30 a.m.

"Took us approximately 40 minutes. During that time, we installed some additional supports in the trench, some panels to help protect our workers and the victim also. We had to dig his legs free from the waist down. Also during that time, we started an IV, gave him some pain medication, had him on some oxygen. He was conscious and alert for the whole rescue effort. Basically, used hand shovels to free the dirt from around his legs," Pittsburgh EMS Deputy Chief Robert Farrow said.

The man suffered lower-body injuries and was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital for treatment where he is now in stable condition.

He was trapped for about an hour.

His name is not being released.

Attorney Jonathan Kamin represents the property owners;, Waterford Land Partners out of Upper Saint Clair.

KDKA's Brenda Waters: "This is the first accident on the side?

Kamin: "It is. This is a 36 townhouse development here in Lawrenceville."

OSHA was called and the cause of the collapse is under investigation.

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