Firefighters use a ladder truck to rescue a construction worker from a trench in Phoenix

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) – The Phoenix Fire Department rescued a construction worker who tripped and fell into a trench while working in Phoenix late Tuesday morning. It happened near Central Avenue and Interstate 17, right next to a restaurant called Comedor Guadalajara. Arizona’s family was there when the man was hoisted out of the trench and taken to hospital just before noon.

The man fell into an unsupported part of an 8 foot trench.(Arizona Family)

Rescuers at the scene said they believe the man injured his back when he fell. According to the Phoenix Fire Department, he said he was suffering from severe back pain. Part of the 8-foot trench had been shored up, but the area where the accident occurred was unreinforced. This made the rescue operation a little more complicated, so a technical rescue team from the Phoenix Fire Department was called.

Between 40 and 50 firefighters, mostly trained in rescue techniques, took part in the operation. “It takes a lot of hands to make something like this happen quickly,” said Capt. Scott Douglas of the Phoenix Fire Department.

The first step in the process was to consolidate the area around the man. “With so much weight in the dirt, if she collapses on top of him, it’s going to make it hard for him to breathe,” Douglas explained. The stabilization of the rescue site was also for the safety of the rescuers. Once done, a ladder truck hoisted the man to safety. His condition was not immediately available.