News Summary
A construction worker tragically died after being trapped in a trench collapse at a Goodyear worksite. Recovery operations lasted over 12 hours, drawing attention to safety measures in the construction industry. An investigation by state safety authorities has been initiated, highlighting ongoing concerns about the risks associated with trench work.
Goodyear, Arizona
A construction worker died after becoming trapped in a trench collapse at a worksite in Goodyear on July 28, with recovery operations spanning more than 12 hours before the worker’s body was recovered early the next morning. The incident has prompted an investigation by state safety authorities and renewed attention to safety measures on construction sites.
Details of the Trench Collapse and Rescue Efforts
The tragic event occurred around 1:10 p.m. on July 28 at a construction site near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. Upon receiving the emergency call, the Goodyear Fire Department responded within six minutes. Emergency responders quickly identified a worker, later identified as Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., 44 years old, who was trapped beneath a significant amount of dirt after a trench collapse.
Initial rescue attempts were hampered by several challenges, including unstable ground conditions and underlying underground infrastructure, such as utility gas lines. Efforts by fellow workers at the scene to free the worker continued before professional rescue teams arrived to assist.
Once rescue teams, including the Goodyear Police Department, the Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue unit, and utility crews from Arizona Public Service (APS) and Southwest Gas, arrived on scene, they faced further difficulties. The trench continued to collapse as they attempted to remove dirt, complicating the rescue process. Around halfway through, after approximately 30 minutes, officials shifted to a more cautious and deliberate recovery approach aimed at safely extracting Baquera’s body.
Recovery and Aftermath
Rescue efforts persisted into the night, with area security maintained by police to safeguard the scene as work continued. Ultimately, Baquera’s body was recovered at approximately 2 a.m. on July 29, ending over 12 hours of intense recovery operations.
The incident has sparked an investigation by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH). The agency has indicated that a formal review of the safety practices and site conditions will be conducted. The timeline for the investigation’s completion is estimated to be four to five months, after which findings and recommendations will be made public.
Community and Industry Response
The Goodyear Fire and Police Departments extended condolences to Baquera’s family, friends, and colleagues. Baquera’s family, particularly his mother and two children, expressed profound grief over his loss, emphasizing his love for family activities and the suddenness of his passing.
Industry safety experts commented that such accidents could potentially be prevented with appropriate training, proper shoring equipment, and adherence to safety protocols. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about safety risks associated with trench work, especially in areas with underground utilities.
Context and Broader Safety Concerns
Since 2019, Arizona has seen at least three fatalities related to trench collapses in the construction industry, raising awareness about the dangers involved in excavation work and the importance of rigorous safety procedures.
Assistive company Rubicon Companies, involved in recovery efforts, clarified that the deceased worker was not employed by their organization or any of their subcontractors, affirming that the victim was from another part of the construction team.
Construction Site Description and Future Considerations
The site where Baquera lost his life was part of a developing neighborhood featuring new single-family homes. The incident highlights the ongoing need for safety oversight in developing residential projects and calls for continued vigilance among construction companies and regulatory agencies to prevent such tragic events in the future.
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Additional Resources
- AZCentral: Goodyear Construction Worker Dies
- ABC15: Recovery Efforts at Goodyear Construction Site
- 12 News: Goodyear Construction Worker Identified
- ABC15: AM Roundup on Goodyear Trench Collapse
- Wikipedia: Construction Accidents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
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