WATCH: San Antonio construction worker pulled from collapsed trench in dramatic rescue

Man was transported via helicopter to a hospital but is in stable condition

SAN ANTONIO – Emergency crews pulled a man who was trapped in a deep trench on the Northwest Side after about two hours of efforting on Tuesday.

The man, a construction worker, fell into the trench while his crew was excavating near Galm Road and Swayback Ranch. He was waist-deep in dirt, officials said after the dramatic rescue.

After San Antonio Fire Department crews were able to pull the man out of the hole, he was immediately transported to the hospital an Airlife helicopter.

The unidentified man is in stable condition but may need immediate surgery, officials said.

Crews used a crane to pluck the man out of the hole and then he was placed on a stretcher. He could be seen moving while on the stretcher.

About five to 10 San Antonio Fire Department members lowered themselves into the trench to strap the man to a stretcher.

The cause of the trench collapse is still unknown.

Officials said they had to be careful not to dig too much around the trench for fear of the soil collapsing on the man. Because he was waist-deep, he did not suffer any major breathing issues.


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David Ibañez headshot

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.

Sal Salazar headshot

Sal Salazar is a photojournalist at KSAT 12. Before coming to KSAT in 1998, he worked at the Fox affiliate in San Antonio. Sal started off his career back in 1995 for the ABC Affiliate in Lubbock and has covered many high-profile news events since. In his free time, he enjoys spending time at home, gaming and loves traveling with his wife.

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