Worker killed in trench collapse in San Francisco

Sept. 29, 2023
Man buried under sand and concrete.

Editors note: This story has been updated.

A utility worker was buried under sand and concrete when the “narrow” trench he was in collapsed around him. Rescue workers used a rescue dog and vacuum excavation to locate the man, according to news reports.

The man has been identified as Javier Romero, 25.

It took about two hours to find the body, and another two hours to recover it.

Images from the scene shot by ABC7News (below) show rescuers lying on plywood guiding the vacuum excavator above the collapse, which news reports say was eight to 10 feet deep.

About the Author

Rod Sutton

Sutton has served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment magazine and ConstructionEquipment.com since 2001. 

Our mission is to help managers of heavy equipment and trucks to improve their performance in acquiring and managing their fleets. One way we do that is with our Executive Institute, where experts share information and ideas that will enable equipment managers to accurately manage equipment costs so that they can deliver the optimum financial benefits to their organizations.

We also have a laser focus on product development, performance, and technology; as well as equipment acquisition, disposal, and maintenance. Our exclusive Field Tests take earthmoving equipment and truck into the field for professional evaluations.

Check out our free newsletters to see the latest content.

You can find Sutton on LinkedIn.