DUBUQUE – An Iowa construction site trench collapse proved to be fatal for one person Friday morning.
The Dubuque Emergency Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call at 8:22 a.m. on March 1, 2024, reporting a construction site trench collapse at 3130 Lake Ridge Dr. with one individual trapped.
Dubuque Fire Department firefighters were dispatched with the first unit arriving on the scene at 8:29 a.m. Upon arrival at the apartment building construction site, firefighters found excavation co-workers attempting to dig out the individual who was buried under approximately 7-8 feet of soil. Dubuque Fire’s trench rescue team immediately began efforts to shore up the trench to prevent additional collapsing and initiated recovery efforts.
The deceased victim was recovered at 9:46 a.m. Fire crews remained on scene until 11:47 a.m. to secure the site with the help of City of Dubuque Engineering staff. Dubuque Police Department were also on the scene assisting with the response.
No additional injuries were reported of firefighters or construction site employees. The incident remains under investigation.