Joint Response to Tragic Trench Collapse in Cleveland

An extended response unfolded in Cleveland Thursday afternoon after a man lost his life in a tragic accident on the job. First responders with the Cleveland Police Department and Cleveland Fire Department responded to the intersection of Corporate Drive SW and Industrial Drive SW on reports of a construction worker buried in a trench at 1:15 PM on August 22, 2024, in Cleveland. Emergency services with the Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire, along with Bradley County Fire Department and Bradley County EMS, immediately began rescue efforts on the individual trapped. Through the partnership with the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association, additional emergency personnel responded to the scene from Chattanooga and Hamilton County. 

Officials determined that the male victim was deceased and the rescue efforts turned into a recovery effort which spanned several hours. Firefighters who specialize in trench operations worked together to recover the body of the individual that was trapped approximately nine feet below the surface. Significant portions of his body were buried by soil in the collapse. These kinds of responses are laborious for first responders as the trench needs to be stabilized and then debris removed in order to safely extricate the victim. Cleveland, Bradley County, Chattanooga and Hamilton County first responders regularly train together on Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) tactics and techniques so that our agencies can have a coordinated, effective, efficient response on major incidents like this trench collapse. We offer sincere condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of the victim.

Agencies involved in the operation on Thursday included: Cleveland FD, Bradley Co FD USAR, Chattanooga FD USAR, Chattanooga Fire Special Operations, Chattanooga Fire command staff, Chattanooga Fire training staff, Catoosa County FD USAR, Hamilton Co OEM, Hamilton Co 911 IDU, Hamilton Co Rescue Rehab, HWY 58 FD Rehab, Erlanger ESORT, Tri-State Mutual Aid, Bradley Co EMA, TEMA, TN Homeland Security, Bradley Co SO, Cleveland PD, Cleveland Utilities, Cleveland Public Works, Bradley Co EMS, Bradley Co 911, and TOSHA. Tri-Community VFD and Athens Fire provided coverage at local fire halls.