ROSENBERG, Texas – A worker killed Wednesday when a trench collapsed on him in Rosenberg has been identified.
The collapse was reported at 12:23 p.m. on FM Road 2218 between Bryan and Danziger roads.
Authorities said that three workers were laying lines in the 8-foot-deep trench when the collapse happened. One of the workers, 32-year-old Rigoberto Ochoa Gonzalez, of Houston, was trapped. According to authorities, about 30 first responders, including the specially trained Fort Bend County Technical Response Team, were called to the scene in an effort to rescue Gonzalez.
Officials said Gonzalez was pronounced dead by rescue crews about 10 minutes later.
Sources told KPRC 2 there did not appear to be a trench box to support the work area, which would normally be used as a safety measure.
Rosenberg police have called on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to investigate the incident.
“It’s very dangerous work to be working in a trench, anything can happen. Dirt can move very quickly especially when it’s wet or if you’re working in loose sand which is why we take safety very seriously when we respond to these incidents,” said Jason Albert, deputy chief of the Fort Bend County Emergency Medical Service.
The cause and factors of the collapse are under investigation.
“We are saddened by the loss of life and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Gonzalez,” said Chief White. “This man went to work this morning to provide for his family and wasn’t able to go home, this is a tragedy.”