On June 10, at approximately 11:35 a.m. a worker became trapped in a three foot trench. The crew was digging with shovels to repair a broken water main that fed an adjacent residence. The running water undermined the soil the worker was standing on and trapped him above his knees.
Co-worker's attempts to pull the victim out, actually sunk the victim further underground. The workers called 9-1-1 for assistance.
The Pine Grove Fire Department responded to the scene with the Rotterdam Police Department and Rotterdam EMS. Pine Grove Chief Wes Blessing made the determination that a trench rescue team was needed. The Town of Colonie communications center received the call and activated the Colonie Village Fire Department for the Trench Rescue Team.
Once on scene the trench team made the trench safe with ground pads, shoring, and ventilation. A sewer vacuum truck was utilized to remove the heavy mud and water from the trench. The victim was actually about nine feet below grade. The victim was treated in the trench with oxygen, IV
