News Summary
A worker tragically lost his life after being trapped in a trench at a construction site in Goodyear. Emergency services faced challenges during rescue operations due to unstable ground and infrastructure concerns. The worker’s body was recovered after over 12 hours of efforts. An investigation is underway by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health, highlighting ongoing safety issues in the construction industry. The victim’s family is mourning his unexpected loss, as experts emphasize the need for improved safety practices to prevent such incidents in the future.
Goodyear, Arizona — A tragic incident occurred on July 28, when a worker died after becoming trapped in a trench at a construction site in Goodyear. The worker, identified as Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., 44, succumbed after being buried under a substantial amount of dirt while working in the area located near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road.
Emergency services received the call at approximately 1:10 p.m. and responded within six minutes. However, initial rescue operations faced challenges due to unstable ground conditions and the presence of sensitive underground infrastructure, which included utility gas lines. Prior to the arrival of the authorities, fellow workers made attempts to rescue Baquera from the trench.
Rescue efforts were complicated further as the trench began to collapse while responders tried to remove dirt from the site. As a result, officials shifted their strategy to a more cautious and methodical recovery approach approximately 30 minutes into the operation. This decision was made to ensure the safety of rescuers and prevent further accidents.
The site of the incident remained secured by the Goodyear Police Department while rescue efforts continued throughout the night. After a challenging recovery endeavor lasting more than 12 hours, Baquera’s body was ultimately recovered around 2 a.m. on July 29.
In the wake of the fatal accident, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) has launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the trench collapse. The findings from this investigation are anticipated to take between four to five months before being made public.
Both the Goodyear Fire Department and the Police Department extended their condolences to Baquera’s family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time. His family expressed deep shock and grief over the unexpected loss, particularly Baquera’s mother, who mourns her son and the void in the lives of his two children. Baquera was known for his love of family activities and was dedicated to his loved ones.
An industry safety expert noted that the tragic accident could have been prevented through proper training and the use of appropriate shoring equipment, emphasizing the importance of safety standards in construction work. Baquera is not alone in his fate; it has been reported that at least three individuals have died in construction-related trench collapses in Arizona since 2019.
Rubicon Companies, who aided in the recovery efforts, clarified that Baquera was not an employee of their company or any of their subcontractors, indicating that the incident was not associated with their workforce. The construction site itself is part of a developing neighborhood where new single-family homes are currently being built.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and risks that construction workers face daily, particularly regarding safety practices in excavation work. As investigations progress, it remains crucial for the industry to reevaluate safety protocols to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.
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Additional Resources
- AZCentral: Goodyear Construction Worker Dies
- ABC15: Recovery Efforts at Goodyear Construction Site
- 12 News: Goodyear Construction Worker Identified
- ABC15: AM Roundup on Goodyear Trench Collapse
- Wikipedia: Construction Accidents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
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