Unconscious Worker Dies in West LA Trench Accident

WEST LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Firefighters rushed to rescue a worker found unconscious in a dirt trench on July 12, 2013. He was sadly determined dead.
At 9:28 a.m. firefighters quickly arrived at 2014 Malcolm Avenue (East of the 405 freeway and South of Santa Monica Blvd) where they found a 20' deep, 8' long, and 24" wide trench. Inside the trench, an adult male worker from a private plumbing company was laying unconscious and non-breathing. The worker was using an electrically operated Jack-Hammer while working on an under ground sewer line at the time of the accident. There was no collapse of the trench and the victim was not buried.

Safely, speedily and with well-practiced efficiency, LAFD trench rescue equipment, lowering rope systems, medical gear and personnel were relayed to the site. Additional workers on scene warned firefighters they possibly heard an electrical arch. Precautions were immediately taken to ensure a safe environment. Firefighters promptly provided additional shoring of the dirt to protect both the victim and responders, then monitored the air inside the trench to ensure there were no toxic gases. A Firefighter/Paramedic was carefully lowered into the trench and performed a medical assessment of the unconscious worker, determining him beyond medical help.

Declaring the man deceased, rescuers - still together as a team, transitioned from 'Rescue Mode' to 'Recovery Mode'. A thorough investigation immediately ensued by LAFD, Cal/OSHA Investigators and LAPD.

More than five hours after they were first summoned, 53 Los Angeles Firefighters, all under the command of Battalion Chief Al Ward, removed the man from the trench in a dignified and respectful manner, placing his remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner. A positive identification of the deceased, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of his death will be determined by the Coroner's Office.

The Mayor's Crisis Response Team provided on-scene crisis intervention, and attended to coworkers and their comfort needs.

Dispatched Units: T92 E292 RA92 E37 E59 HR56 EM9 BC9 T5 E205 E5 UR5 RA5 UR88 BC4 E62 BC11 DC1 RA858

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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