FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Trench Collapse Injures Two Workers

(Port Orchard, WA) Two employees from Kitsap County Public Works were trapped when the trench they were working in partially collapsed shortly after 10:00 this morning. The two were installing a storm drain pipe in the trench when the accident happened. They were trapped in about three feet of dirt. Shoring was installed to protect the workers and kept the trench from collapsing completely. Public Works is investigating the incident.

Crews from South Kitsap Fire & Rescue along with Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue, Navy Region Northwest, Bremerton Fire and Bainbridge Island Fire freed the first employee at 11:35. The second employee was freed at 11:50. The employees, Joe Bowling, 42 of Seabeck and Shane Hart, 37 from Silverdale were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, treated and released.

Kitsap County Public Works
The Open Line
(360) 337-5777 or (800) 825-4940
openline@co.kitsap.wa.us