Three Huntsville public works employees were installing a storm pipe at John Hunt Park on Thursday when a trench collapse left one dead and two injured.
According to city officials, the two injured workers were taken to the hospital where they were treated with non-life-threatening injuries.
The deceased has been identified as 55-year-old Bobby Green.
Mayor Tommy Battle offered condolences and asked the community to remember in prayer the families affected by the accident.
“The City of Huntsville mourns the loss of one of our valued members of our Public Works team,” said Battle. “I ask that our City family and the Huntsville community pray for the families of Bobby Green and for the two employees who were injured. Bobby will be missed by many.”
The City of Huntsville mourns the loss of one of our valued members of our Public Works team. https://t.co/t6TNmRCqzU
— @HsvMayorsOffice (@HsvMayorsOffice) September 2, 2021
The quick response of Huntsville Fire & Rescue’s rescue operations led to the injured workers being freed within minutes after the collapse.
“No matter how much equipment or manpower you’ve got, a situation like this is extremely difficult,” said Huntsville Fire & Rescue chief Howard McFarlen.
Huntsville Police and HEMSI also assisted in the effort, as did a Heavy Rescue Unit from Madison Fire & Rescue.
The site’s stormwater infrastructure, which services the entire northern end of John Hunt Park and surrounding commercial properties, is currently in the process of being rebuilt. Public works employees have been working on-site for several weeks, say city officials.
The city says the accident is under investigation.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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