3:08 PM - Tragically a 54 year old male lost his life this afternoon after falling into a ditch and becoming trapped underground at 12105 E McGregor. HIS Contractors, Inc workers told firefighters that the man, who was also the project supervisor; was standing on the edge of the recently dug trench - when the ground gave way. He fell into the 40 ft. long - 6 ft wide hole and additional mud and debris fell on top of him. Several of the other workers jumped into the hole to try and help get him out but the unstable soil was too treacherous and they had to exit. They called 911. Several hours after firefighters began operations, he was located about 19 feet down. Firefighters had difficulty removing the compacted clay soil from around the man as underground water continued to backfill the hole and further compressed the material. The incident took 4 hours and 20 minutes to mitigate. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the family and his fellow workers.
Agencies on scene and assisting with incident:
Sugar Creek Fire Department
Indianapolis Fire Department
Shelbyville Fire Department
Moral Township Fire Department
Greenfield Fire Department
Fountaintown Fire Department
Shelby County EMA
Shelby County Sheriff’s
Greenfield Wastewater Utility
IFD Chaplain
IFD Fire Buffs Rehab Support Unit