MARCH 9, 2017
BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS
A man who was trapped in a trench collapse in far west Bexar County Thursday has died, according to Joe Arrington, Public Information Officer for the San Antonio Fire Department.
At least 19 units responded to the rescue in the 1500 block of Classic Drive just before 4:30 p.m., including a battalion chief and technical rescue team.
Sadly, around 5:30 p.m., Arrington said the rescue mission had turned into a recovery after firefighters determined the man did not survive.
CHOPPER 5 was above the scene where the man was first reported "buried up to his neck."
UPDATE:
The San Antonio Fire Department released a statement detailing what happened:
The San Antonio Fire Department responded to a report around 4:30 p.m. regarding a trench collapse at a private development project unrelated to the City of San Antonio in the 1500 block of Classic Drive. A worker was trapped and killed by the collapse. Three coworkers attempted to dig the victim out prior to SAFD's arrival and were promptly removed from the trench due to worsening conditions. SAFD's technical rescue teams worked to properly shore up the walls of the trench to prevent further collapse. Due to the heavy clay soil composition and potential for severe weather, recovery of the victim's body will be an extended process. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has arrived on scene to initiate the investigation.