John P. Carroll/CWN
YARMOUTH – A hole at a construction site in Yarmouth reportedly collapsed sometime about 8:50 AM Tuesday. The incident happened on South Shore Drive by the Skipper Restaurant where a sewer project was reportedly underway. A police officer working the detail called in the incident touching off a large response of emergency officials including the Barnstable County Tech Rescue Team who all rushed to the scene. One person was pulled from the hole and put in an ambulance. A MedFlight helicopter was requested to Cape Cod Gateway Airport. It was believed at least one other person was still in the hole. Officials were continuing to work to shore up the area.
John P. Carroll/CWN
From Yarmouth Police: Yarmouth Police and Fire departments are on the scene of a trench collapse with entrapment at a work site located at 152 South Shore Drive in South Yarmouth. Workers were trapped following the collapse.
What we know at this time:
One worker has been extricated, and rescue teams are currently providing lifesaving measures. Crews are still currently working the scene.
We ask the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to work safely and efficiently.
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Video from Jake O’Callaghan/CWN:
Update 10:30 AM: The MedFlight helicopter is moving to the Smugglers Beach parking lot to pickup a victim. Flight tracking also shows multiple media helicopters in the area.
Update 11:00 AM: Eversource has cut power to 644 customers in the area as rescuers are working very close to a utility pole. Officials are saying this will be an extended operation and the Plymouth County Tech Rescue Team is also sending members to the scene to assist.
Update 2:30 PM: CWN has learned one person was able to escape on their own after the collapse. A second victim has now been freed and was taken by the MedFlight helicopter to an off-Cape trauma center. Sadly a “recovery” operations was reportedly underway for the last victim. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is on scene investigating the incident.
From Yarmouth Fire: At 8:50 AM Tuesday, The Yarmouth Fire Department received a fall for assistance from a Yarmouth Police detail officer indicating a trench collapse at the sewer construction site located at 152 South Shore Drive adjacent to Parker’s River Beach. The initial report indicated there were several people trapped in the trench.
Yarmouth Fire immediately dispatched all on-duty personnel, requested a full department recall and simultaneously requested the Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team. Additionally, a request was made for a mutual aid working fire assignment for station coverage due to the expected duration of the incident.
The first units arrived at 8:55 AM reporting three victims, one of whom managed self-extrication, a second buried up to his waist, and the third completely entrapped. Rescue operations commenced immediately with personnel working and finally freeing the second victim at approximately 1:20 PM, who was them evaluated and transported to Rhode Island Hospital by Boston MedFlight. Rescue operations continued until the third worker, who succumbed to his injuries, was removed from the trench at approximately 2:45 PM.
The incident is under active investigation by local, state and federal authorities. The Yarmouth Fire Department would like to thank the numerous partners and agencies in response and stabilization of this incident including Barnstable, Brewster, Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills, Chatham, Cotuit, Dennis, Harwich, Joint Base Cape Cod and the West Barnstable Fire Departments for provision of on-scene and coverage support. The Banrstable and Plymouth County Technical Rescue Teams for the technical expertise to safely extricate the victims working with the Department of Fire Services, Boston MedFlight, and the Providence Canteen providing direct support to the incident scene. The Yarmouth Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration provided scene security and investigatory services. National Grid and Eversource managed utility concerns throughout the incident. Special thanks to the Town of Yarmouth Administrator’s Office, Water Department, and Department of Public Works from both Yarmouth and Barnstable for their assistance. Equipment and personnel from the Public Works were critical to the operation.
The Yarmouth Fire Department extends our deepest sympathies to the victim’s loved ones and our appreciation to all responders for their professionalism during this tragic incident.
Update from the Town of Yarmouth: With deep sadness, the Town of Yarmouth confirms that Miguel Reis, age 61, of Fall River, Massachusetts, tragically lost his life in the trench collapse on South Shore Drive yesterday. Another man involved in the incident was rescued and is currently receiving care at Rhode Island Hospital. Our hearts are with both families, their loved ones, and all who are grieving during this very difficult time.
The incident remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Division, assigned to the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office, along with the U.S. Department of Labor Standards Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) based in Boston.
Photos by David Curran/Satellite News Service/CWN:
CWN will bring you further details as we get them.
