FDNY Hoists Construction Worker Trapped to His Waist in a Collapsed Trench at a Pre-War Apartment Building on 47th Street in Woodside
WOODSIDE, NEW YORK (November 4, 2026) – A construction worker was injured in a trench collapse accident at the base of a pre-war apartment building in Woodside.
Queens County officials are saying that the collapse was reported around 4:21 p.m. on Monday. The worker was at the base of a trench of a multi-story residential building when the soil around him collapsed, thereby trapping him.
First responders and the FDNY special operations members were called to the scene of the incident to extricate the victim. He was removed from the trench after being rigged with some type of hauling system.
He was subsequently transported to Elmhurst Hospital to receive treatment for moderate injuries. A full investigation into the cause of the trench collapse remains ongoing.
Liability for Woodside Trench Collapse Accidents
New York gives construction workers some of the strongest legal protections in the country. Under Labor Law § 241(6), owners and contractors must provide reasonable and adequate protection at construction, demolition, and excavation sites, and the Court of Appeals has held that a violation of a specific Industrial Code rule can support liability. In particular, excavation projects require that the sides of any trench more than 5 feet deep are properly shored and supported. Federal safety standards also require adequate protective systems for workers that are in trenches. Responsibility for trench collapses often hinges on a few key issues.
- Shoring: Courts will consider whether the trench was properly shored.
- Inspections: It is also important to determine whether a competent person inspected the trench before work operations.
- Soil Type: The type of soil where the trench was being dug is also relevant. Inadequate soil makes it more likely that a trench will collapse.
- Escape Routes: Workers should be provided with ladders or other ways to safely escape a trench in the event of an emergency.
There are certain items that must be demonstrated for any court case involving a trench collapse to succeed under the state’s labor laws. In Ross v. Curtis-Palmer Hydro-Electric Co., decided in 1993, a welder suffered a back injury while performing welding work at a hydroelectric construction site. The Court of Appeals ultimately held that liability for a trench collapse will rest on demonstrating that a specific Industrial Code was violated. Owners and contractors have a non-delegable duty under the state statute to provide safe working conditions and uphold all Industrial Codes.
Investigating Trench Collapses in Woodside
We at GLK Law wish the construction worker hurt in the Woodside trench collapse a full and speedy recovery. We hope this rescue prompts a hard look at excavation practices around older apartment buildings across Queens. There needs to be a thorough investigation into all of the potential safety violations that may have contributed to this accident.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a Woodside trench collapse? You may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Our team of experienced construction accident attorneys is here to support you. We have successfully resolved thousands of claims and recovered over $1 billion for our deserving clients. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney might be able to help with your unique situation, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
