Local

Construction worker trapped in partially collapsed trench rescued

MERCER ISLAND, Wash. — A construction worker is recovering after being rescued from a dirt trench that collapsed at a worksite on Friday in Mercer Island.

According to a release from the city, a partially collapsed, 9-foot “deep dirt trench” trapped the worker’s foot for nearly four hours.

The collapse happened Friday afternoon in the 2200 block of 60th Avenue Southeast at the northwest end of the island on a residential property.

Officials said the work site was very narrow and confined, and it required first responders from multiple agencies to help in the rescue.

Crews used specialized equipment to remove the construction worker, which included a city public works worker who used a vacuum excavation truck to assist in the trench extraction.

Once pulled from the trench, the worker was taken to Harborview Medical Center and was reportedly in stable condition.

It is not yet known what caused the partial collapse.

Several agencies helped Mercer Island firefighters rescue the worker, including Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue and Eastside Fire and Rescue.

The incident remains under investigation.