Tragedy struck at a construction site in Jarell, Texas Tuesday morning when a trench collapsed burying two workers alive, authorities said.
The two men, who have been since recovered dead, were reportedly digging a sewer line for a new residence. They were buried more than 24 feet underground.
For hours, rescue crews tried unsuccessfully to find the victims with assistance from Austin, Georgetown, and Roundrock fire departments before the agencies brought excavating equipment.
“It’s a really involved process for the safety of our rescuers, for the safety of our emergency personnel,” City Official Nick Spinetto said Tuesday.
“They have to remove certain dirt and almost make steps to make sure the crews can get down there without causing any more dirt to collapse.”
At around 4 a.m. Wednesday, the first body was pulled out of the ground and about an hour later, the second body was also recovered. Families of the deceased had been notified.
