Gallatin , TN
One man is dead after he was trapped underground when a trench collapsed Friday afternoon at Welch College.
According to Gallatin police, the man, whose name hasn't yet been released, was a contract worker repairing a water line when the trench he was working in collapsed.
According to Sumner County Emergency Communications Center, emergency officials were dispatched just after 1:30 p.m. to 1045 Bison Trail, in reference to "a male patient not breathing" who was "trapped in a ditch."
Police, as well as Gallatin and Hendersonville fire departments remained on-scene late afternoon to continue investigating the collapse.
According to dispatchers, the man was eventually pulled from the trench.
The construction was being done by Southland Constructors.
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UPDATE (11 p.m.): Welch College issued the following statement Friday afternoon:
Dear Welch College Family,
As many of you know by now, this afternoon a worker under the employment and supervision of SouthLand Constructors, our construction management firm, was killed in a construction-related accident on the Welch campus. We are praying earnestly for his family, that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The Welch family is shocked and saddened by this sudden, tragic accident. SouthLand Constructors has been very concerned about the utmost safety of this project for the past two-and-a-half years, and we are deeply saddened by this tragic occurrence. We lift this family up in prayer, asking our entire college family to join us in prayer in this very painful moment for this family and our campus community.
Sincerely,
Matt Pinson
President
UPDATE (6:40 p.m.): Sumner County EMA confirmed that the worker has died following the incident.
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Emergency personnel from both Hendersonville and Gallatin were dispatched to Welch College around 1:30 p.m. Friday after a utility worker was trapped under a collapsed trench.
When the emergency call was placed, the man was believed to be unresponsive and “not breathing,” according to Sumner County dispatchers.
Dispatchers confirmed that the man has been freed from the trench, but they were not able to comment on his medical condition as of 4:30 p.m. Friday.
The victim’s name has not yet been released.
Welch College is a private institution with an enrollment of 300-400 students. It is associated with the Free Will Baptist Church. Welch College is located near Station Camp High School and Middle School.