A man was rescued after being buried inside a backhoe for 12 hours in a chert pit southwest of Nashville, Tennessee, in Lewis County. The operator had been working when the face of the pit collapsed on the machine, burying it and trapping the man inside with what rescuers called a “void” that allowed him to breathe and talk.
According to news reports, including this video by WTVM, only the top of the cab was visible when first responders arrived. The operator said only his head and one arm were above the collapsed dirt. Rescuers installed a pipe into the void to create a flow of fresh air.
The roof was eventually cut off, freeing the man. He was airlifted to a hospital, but no information was available on his condition.
About the Author
Rod Sutton
Sutton served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment from 2001 through 2025.