OXFORD, Mich. – A 50-year-old man was rescued after an hours-long rescue operation in which he became trapped in a trench collapse at a construction site in Oxford Township.
The incident occurred on Tuesday (Sept. 1) around 3 p.m.
A 50-year-old man was rescued after an hours-long rescue operation in which he became trapped in a trench collapse at a construction site in Oxford. (Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.)
Fire Chief Matt Majestic said firefighters were called at about 3:45 p.m. to the Brab Dewey subdivision, where crews were working on a sewer installation project.
The man was walking alongside a trench when part of the trench wall gave way, causing him to slide into the excavation, Majestic said.
A 50-year-old man was rescued after an hours-long rescue operation in which he became trapped in a trench collapse at a construction site in Oxford. (Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.)
He became trapped from about the waist down next to a trench box, which Majestic said likely helped prevent further injury.
No one else was injured or trapped.
Firefighters maintained verbal contact with the man throughout the rescue.
A 50-year-old man was rescued after an hours-long rescue operation in which he became trapped in a trench collapse at a construction site in Oxford. (Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.)
Majestic said the man was in good spirits and could move his toes while crews worked to free him.
The man was removed from the trench at about 8:05 p.m., more than four hours after firefighters were called to the scene.
A 50-year-old man was rescued after an hours-long rescue operation in which he became trapped in a trench collapse at a construction site in Oxford. (Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.)
Majestic said rescuers faced significant challenges because of the soil’s weight and composition.
The area has sandy soil mixed with rocks and gravel, Majestic said.
Crews first stabilized the trench with panels to prevent another collapse.
A vacuum truck then removed loose soil around the trapped worker.
“It was all hands on deck,” Majestic said.
A 50-year-old man was rescued after an hours-long rescue operation in which he became trapped in a trench collapse at a construction site in Oxford. (Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.)
The Oxford Fire Department requested assistance from the Oakland County technical rescue team, prompting a mutual-aid response from surrounding departments.
Majestic estimated that between 75 and 100 responders, possibly more, were involved in the rescue.
A technical rescue team from the western part of the region also responded.
Once the man was freed, Majestic said he insisted on walking up the ladder out of the trench.
A 50-year-old man was rescued after an hours-long rescue operation in which he became trapped in a trench collapse at a construction site in Oxford. (Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.)
Despite appearing to be in good condition, the man was taken by helicopter to a trauma center for further evaluation.
Majestic said firefighters were concerned about possible complications from being trapped in soil for an extended period, including muscle compression and circulation issues.
Majestic identified the man as being from the Swartz Creek area.
The incident is expected to be reviewed as a workplace injury.
Majestic said the fire department notified the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) within about 15 to 20 minutes of arriving at the scene.
Majestic said he expected the agency to conduct its own investigation.
The sewer project began about a week ago, according to Majestic.
The work is part of an effort to install sewers throughout the neighborhood, where many homes previously relied on septic systems.
The rescue operation continued into the evening, and Majestic said the area could remain closed for some time as crews safely removed equipment and demobilized.
Majestic praised the mutual-aid agencies and other organizations that assisted with the rescue, saying the response demonstrated the importance of maintaining funding for technical rescue resources.
“Luckily, he’s out and alive,” Majestic said.
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Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.