A construction worker was rescued after being trapped for more than six hours when a trench suddenly collapsed in Charlton.
The incident occurred in Bramshot Avenue, where a trench measuring approximately twelve meters in length and four meters in depth collapsed, burying the worker up to his waist in sand and clay on April 16.
The London Fire Brigade swiftly responded to the scene, dispatching five fire rescue units along with urban search and rescue crews trained to handle such emergencies. One of the Brigade’s 32-meter ladders was deployed to aid in the rescue operation.
Working in close coordination with the London Ambulance Service, including their Hazardous Area Response Team, paramedics arrived within five minutes of the initial call to provide immediate medical attention.
Efforts were made to stabilize the trench during the extraction process to prevent further collapse, with firefighters from East Greenwich, Eltham, Bethnal Green, and surrounding stations joining the rescue operation.
The intense operation lasted from 12:29 pm until 6:47 pm, resulting in the successful rescue of the worker, who was then transported to the hospital for further treatment.
Following the incident, the Metropolitan Police Service and the Health and Safety Executive took over responsibility for the scene, ensuring a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the trench collapse.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade praised the coordinated efforts of emergency responders, highlighting the systematic approach taken to extract the trapped worker safely.
The London Ambulance Service also confirmed their swift response to the incident, stating that they treated the patient at the scene before transferring them to the hospital.
The incident underscores the importance of coordinated emergency response efforts and the dedication of emergency personnel to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in crisis situations.
