Worker Rescued After Being Trapped in Cave-In

SNELLVILLE, GA -- A utility worker was rescued by emergency crews Sunday evening after being trapped underground in a cave-in at a Snellville residence.

Gwinnett County officials say a trench collapsed at the 1900 block of Rockside Lane in Snellville as the man was working to repair a water line in the front yard of a home there.

The cave-in happened shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. The worker, whom officials are not identifying, citing medical privacy laws, was trapped about 10-12 feet below ground for about an hour.

A Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services statement said the man was stuck in dirt up to his chest, with his legs bent backward. He remained conscious throughout the entire rescue and was able to talk with emergency crews working to free him.

Rescuers secured the trench with heavy wooden pallets and pneumatic struts while digging the worker free.

He was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center to be treated for what appeared to be minor injuries. Fire officials say he was the only person in the trench at the time of the cave-in.