Goodyear Recovery Operation for Trapped Worker

News Summary

A recovery operation is underway in Goodyear, Arizona, to rescue a construction worker trapped in a 6 to 7-foot deep hole at a site on 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. The Goodyear Fire Department, along with other agencies, is leading the efforts amidst safety concerns and additional complications from collapsing dirt and utility lines. The focus has shifted from rescue to recovery as crews work to address the challenges on-site. Traffic has been regulated around the area to aid in the operation, and the community is responding with concern for the trapped worker’s family.

Goodyear Recovery Operation Underway for Trapped Construction Worker

A complex recovery operation is currently in progress in Goodyear, Arizona, as multiple agencies work to free a construction worker who became trapped in a hole at a construction site. The incident occurred near the intersection of 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road at approximately 1:10 p.m. on July 28.

The worker is reported to be stuck in a hole estimated to be between 6 to 7 feet deep. Initial reports confirm that while the Fire Department quickly responded to the emergency within six minutes, they have been unable to confirm the worker’s status due to safety concerns and the complexities of the situation.

The Goodyear Fire Department is leading the recovery efforts, supported by the Goodyear Police Department, the Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team, as well as utility companies including Arizona Public Service (APS) and Southwest Gas. As the attempt to rescue the man progressed, additional dirt collapsed into the hole, further complicating the operation.

After approximately 30 minutes into the operation, the focus of the efforts shifted from rescue to recovery, indicating that the situation was deemed increasingly perilous.

Challenges in the Recovery Effort

One of the primary complications involved the presence of utility lines for gas, water, and communication located beneath the hole. Crews have been actively working with utility companies to identify the precise locations of these lines, many of which have been diverted or shut off to ensure a safe recovery process.

At this stage of the operation, it remains unclear what type of construction the trapped worker was engaged in at the time of the incident. There have been no immediate updates regarding the worker’s identity or the specific circumstances that led to the entrapment.

As of Monday evening, recovery efforts are still ongoing, with emergency services continuing to navigate the intricacies of the site while addressing safety concerns. Traffic regulations have been implemented in the area, leading to Lower Buckeye Road being closed in both directions during the recovery operation to facilitate the efforts and maintain safety.

Community Response

In light of the situation, Goodyear’s Deputy Chief has expressed condolences for the trapped worker’s family and colleagues, acknowledging the tragic nature of the incident. Emergency responders are committed to this operation and are working diligently to navigate the challenges presented by the scene.

As the situation develops, authorities are expected to provide further information regarding the status of the recovery efforts and any relevant updates concerning the worker involved. For now, the primary concern remains the safety and success of the recovery operation.

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Additional Resources

• AZ Central
• Wikipedia: Construction
• AZ Family
• Google Search: Goodyear construction worker incident
• Fox 10 Phoenix
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction site safety
• KTAR News
• Google News: Goodyear construction site incident
• ABC 15
• Google Scholar: Construction safety protocols
• 12 News