Trench rescue in Buffalo Grove, 12-12-22
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A worker was trapped in a hole at 1011 Aspen Drive in Buffalo Grove late Monday afternoon, prompting a large-scale emergency response. The incident occurred while workers were excavating to repair a residential sewer line. One of the workers became stuck after a section of the ground collapsed, trapping them underground.
Upon arrival, Buffalo Grove firefighters found workers frantically digging to free their colleague. Due to the severity of the situation, the entire MABAS Division 1 Technical Rescue Team was mobilized, with assistance from firefighters from Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, and Lincolnshire-Riverwoods. Initial reports indicated that the victim was unconscious and not breathing, raising immediate concerns about their condition.
Technical rescue teams arrived from multiple locations, including Palatine, Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, Rolling Meadows, Wheeling, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Inverness, and Bartlett. A special request was made for an Arlington Heights Public Works sewer vacuum unit, but the rescue was completed before it could arrive on scene.
Despite the coordinated efforts of first responders, the victim did not survive. They were transported from the location by a Mundelein ambulance. The scene remained active for several hours as investigators and crews worked to secure the area and determine the cause of the collapse.
Photos from the incident, taken by Larry Shapiro, show the intensity of the operation and the serious nature of the accident. These images provide a rare glimpse into the challenging conditions faced by emergency personnel during such high-risk rescues. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by workers in construction and utility fields, where unexpected hazards can lead to life-threatening situations.