Business Owner Charged In Norwich Fatal Trench Collapse: PD

NORWICH, CT — Police on Friday arrested the owner of a plumbing company in connection with the accidental fatal trench collapse last June that killed a worker.

Amilcar Deandrade, 51, of Preston, was charged with first-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and first-degree reckless endangerment, according to Lt. Kyle Besse.

The charges stem from the June 14, 2025 work-related death of Michael Dirocco, 60, of Norwich.

The trench collapse happened on Hamilton Court around 6:16 p.m. When emergency personnel arrived, they found Dirocco partially buried in a trench. The victim was extricated and rushed to William W. Backus Hospital, but he died due to his injuries, police said.

The trench was being excavated to connect a private residence’s sewer system to the city sewer line. It was about 90 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 5 feet deep, according to police.

While police did not name Deandrade’s company, the Secretary of the State’s office lists him as the principal of Diamond Plumbing & Heating LLC in Preston.

Norwich police conducted its investigation in conjunction with the Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Police secured an arrest warrant for Deandrade, who was present at the job site at the time of the accident.

Deandrade turned himself in at police headquarters on Friday. He is free on a $50,000 non-surety bond.

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• Worker Dies After Workplace Accident In Norwich: Reports