CLEVELAND, Tenn. — UPDATE:

A man was killed when a trench collapsed in Cleveland on Thursday, police Officer Evie West said.

Initially, it was a rescue operation.

But West says rescue workers realized the man was dead and began recovery efforts.

West says rescue workers were able to recover the trapped body.

The Chattanooga Fire Department provided additional assistance with the rescue efforts.

According to CFD, firefighters specializing in excavation work worked together to recover the body of the man, who was trapped about three meters below the surface.

Large parts of his body were buried underground in the collapse, CFD says.

“These types of operations are arduous for first responders because they must stabilize the trench and then remove debris to safely extricate the victim,” said Lindsey Rodgers of CFD.

West says they are waiting to notify next of kin before releasing the man’s identity.

We asked TOSHA for a statement. They told us…

“On Thursday, July 24, 2024, Tennessee OSHA (TOSHA) was notified of a fatal workplace accident that occurred at 1:30 p.m. ET involving an employee of Dillard Construction at the intersection of Corporate Dr. and Industrial Dr. TOSHA sent an investigator to the scene of the accident to begin an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the worker’s death. During the investigation process, the TOSHA investigator typically examines the scene of the incident, reviews company records and procedures, and conducts interviews with management and employees. The investigation of a fatality can take up to six months. To ensure the integrity of the investigation, TOSHA is not releasing any preliminary information about the incident. When the investigation is complete, the report containing the agency’s findings will be open for review by the citizens of Tennessee.”

EARLIER:

Several rescue crews responded to a trench rescue in Cleveland on Thursday, police Lt. Evie West confirmed.

West says first responders from Cleveland Police and Fire are responding to the intersection of Corporate Drive SW and Industrial Drive SW. Lt. West says the 911 call came in around 1:15 p.m.

Lt. West advises drivers to avoid the area.

We have a team on the ground working to find out more.

This is a developing story and will be updated.