Chattanooga, TN – According to the officials, a tragic workplace accident unfolded in Cleveland on August 22, 2024, when a construction worker was buried in a trench at the intersection of Corporate Drive SW and Industrial Drive SW.
First responders from the Cleveland Police Department, Cleveland Fire Department, Bradley County Fire Department, and Bradley County EMS rushed to the scene around 1:15 PM.
Efforts quickly shifted from rescue to recovery as officials determined the worker was deceased. The recovery operation, which lasted several hours, involved firefighters specializing in trench operations.
The victim was found approximately nine feet below the surface, with significant portions of his body buried by the collapsed soil.
The operation saw collaboration from additional emergency personnel through the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association, including teams from Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and Catoosa County.
These agencies, which regularly train together in Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) tactics, worked to stabilize the trench and safely extricate the victim.
The Cleveland, Bradley County, Chattanooga, and Hamilton County first responders extend their condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and coworkers.
Agencies involved included Cleveland FD, Bradley Co FD USAR, Chattanooga FD USAR, Chattanooga Fire Special Operations, and many others. Tri-Community VFD and Athens Fire provided local fire hall coverage.