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Details have been released after a worker died and a second contractor was presumed dead when sand collapsed on them as they were installing a septic tank in a pit on Long Island.
The incident happened around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28 in Upper Brookville on the 1200 block of Wolver Hollow Road near the intersection of Pine Valley Road.
The two men working at the site are ages 57 and 45.
The area the men were working was about 25 to 30 feet below the surface.
According to Nassau County Police Department, Old Brookville Police officers responded to a 911 call for an excavation site accident.
The two men were working at the bottom of an excavated site, where septic rings were being installed.
While both men were in the hole, the wall of dirt and sand became compromised and collapsed, police said. The men were covered by 5 feet of material, according to police.
Old Brookville Police requested assistance from the Nassau County Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit (ESU). Upon ESU’s arrival, the area was partially re-excavated and the 45-year-old was extricated. He was pronounced dead a short time later by a Nassau County Police medic. The other contractor, who is presumed dead, has not yet been located.
Eight fire departments and Nassau County Police Department fire marshalls were on scene to assist.
The site became unsafe and had to be stabilized prior to continuing recovery work, which is ongoing.
The investigation is ongoing.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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