Surrey, B.C. construction worker rescued after trench collapse

A construction worker was rescued by fire crews this afternoon after a trench collapsed on him in Surrey, B.C.

Assistant Surrey Fire Chief Brian Woznikoski said workers were putting in a sewer line at a private residence at 104th Avenue and 158th Street. When one of the of the workers stepped outside of a caged area, the trench collapsed.

Surrey’s fire crews and tech rescue team responded shortly before 1 p.m. and began digging and venting the trench as they prepared their shoring equipment. Woznikoski said the man was eventually able to free himself and climb up a ladder. He was transported to hospital.

"He was very fortunate," Woznikoski said, adding that he was not able to disclose the man’s employer.

Officials said WorkSafeBC is at the scene investigating the the incident.