Prosperity, SC (February 18, 2025) – A tragic construction accident claimed the life of a worker on Monday morning after a trench collapsed near the intersection of Macedonia Church Road and Long Road in Newberry County.
Emergency responders, including deputies from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, Fairview Fire, and Lake Murray Rescue, rushed to the scene following a distress call made around 10:50 a.m. Upon arrival, officials learned that the worker had been installing a water line when the trench walls suddenly gave way, burying him beneath the soil.
Sheriff Lee Foster confirmed that fellow workers on site made efforts to rescue the trapped individual before emergency personnel arrived. Despite their attempts and the response of specialized trench rescue teams from Whitmire, Newberry Fire, Columbia Fire Department, and Lexington County Fire Services, the rescue efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity, pending notification of family members. The Newberry County Coroner’s Office is now leading the investigation into the worker’s death, along with other officials reviewing workplace safety protocols.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and coworkers during this difficult time.
Workplace Safety Concerns in Construction Accidents
Trench collapses are among the most dangerous hazards in the construction industry, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. When a trench caves in, thousands of pounds of soil can trap workers in seconds, cutting off their ability to breathe and making escape nearly impossible without immediate assistance.
Federal agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establish strict regulations for trenching and excavation safety, requiring protective systems like trench boxes or shoring to prevent collapses. However, incidents continue to occur due to unstable soil conditions, lack of reinforcement, or failure to follow proper safety protocols.
For construction workers, proper training, routine site inspections, and adherence to federal and state safety regulations can significantly reduce the risk of such tragic incidents. Investigations into trench collapses typically focus on whether proper safety measures were in place and if any violations contributed to the incident.
For more information or to receive help after a workplace accident, contact Local Accident Reports.