Sep 23, 2015 1 min read

HERMOSA, S.D. – Two workers in western South Dakota suddenly became trapped Wednesday after a trench they were digging for a sewer collapsed.

The men were digging the trench in Hermosa, about 20 miles south of Rapid City, when the embankment collapsed around noon, trapping them up to their waists. They were conscious and talking while they were in the trench, but authorities were concerned about crushing injuries that the workers may have suffered. They weren’t expected to be freed before sundown.

Rapid City Fire Department spokesman Oliver White said the dirt on the trench that’s 12 feet deep and 10 feet wide was being removed by hand because the use of an excavator could cause a total collapse.

Authorities didn’t immediately identify the workers, but one is in his 30s and the other in his 50s. One man said he couldn’t feel his lower extremities.

Rescuers worked during the afternoon to build a flat surface for solid footing and to find an area to dump the dirt to avoid putting more pressure in the area.

First responders from at least five agencies responded to the scene.

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Information from: Rapid City Journal, http://www.rapidcityjournal.com