Three workers trapped 20 feet underground die in sewer manhole, Indiana officials say
Three construction workers were killed Tuesday morning after they got trapped in a sewer manhole in Indiana, officials say.
The three men were working on a utility project in Columbia City, a city northwest of Fort Wayne, when they became stuck, according to a news release.
The men were 20 feet underground and the manhole was filled with 5 feet of water, officials say. A rescue team pulled up the men and started life-saving efforts.
But all three men died at the scene, officials say.
“The city of Columbia City extends our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in a utility accident today, and to their employer,” Mayor Ryan Daniel said in a statement. “While all the details are unknown at this time, we will be working with all parties to determine ways in which these types of tragedies can be prevented in the future.”
The cause of the accident remains under investigation, officials say.
The city hired the contractors for a sewer project at the Whitley County Consolidated Schools transportation facility, WPTA reported.
