Firefighters rescuing worker buried up to the chest

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - Rescuers freed a Carmel worker Monday afternoon when a ditch gave way, trapping the worker.

Crews were sent to the 11900 block of Rolling Springs Drive just before 1 p.m. to rescue the worker. Officials said the man is from Bedell Plumbing in Greenfield. Around 4 p.m., the man was successfully removed from the ditch.

Officials at the scene said workers were replacing a sewer line in a trench about 12 feet deep and 4 feet wide. A worker was inside when the ditch gave way, burying him from the waist down.

The worker was alert and conscious, talking to rescue workers.

Firefighters first stabilized the trench, then they removed the victim. Special dirt suction equipment had to be brought in to assist. A medical helicopter took the man to a local hospital.