Man Rescued from Trench in Columbia: PHOTOS

A man was rescued from a trench in front of a home in Columbia Saturday night, according to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

Crews responded to the 6400 block of Barchink Place at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday for a report of a trench collapse and within an hour, they got the victim out safely, the department reported.

When they arrived, first responders said the victim was conscious and alert and was actively trying to free himself from the trench, which was 10 to 11 feet deep. He was buried up to his chest in dirt, according to the report.

Before the collapse, the man had been digging a water line, officials reported.

Related: Trench Collapse Reported in Columbia

Approximately 50 firefighters and paramedics responded to the incident, where they used specialized equipment to stabilize the trench, then sent a rescuer in to help free the victim, the report said.

Just under an hour after emergency personnel received the call for help, they had gotten the man out, according to the report.

He was taken in stable condition to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for evaluation, the report said.

Photo Credit: Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.