Goodyear, July 29, 2025
News Summary
A construction worker has become trapped in a 6 to 7-foot deep hole at a Goodyear construction site. Multiple agencies, including the Goodyear Fire Department and Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team, are currently engaged in recovery efforts. The situation has escalated from a rescue to a recovery operation due to safety concerns and complications from surrounding utility lines. Authorities have closed nearby roads to ensure the safety of rescue personnel and the public while the operation continues.
Goodyear
Multiple agencies are actively involved in a recovery operation for a construction worker who became trapped in a hole at a construction site in Goodyear. The incident occurred on July 28, near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. The Goodyear Fire Department received the first call at approximately 1:10 p.m. regarding the emergency situation.
The trapped worker was located in a hole measuring approximately 6 to 7 feet deep. Initial reports indicated complexity in the rescue mission, as safety concerns prevented rescuers from making immediate physical contact with the individual. The Goodyear Fire Department responded quickly to the scene, arriving within six minutes of receiving the emergency call.
Several agencies are collaborating on the recovery efforts, including the Goodyear Police Department, the Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team, Arizona Public Service (APS), and Southwest Gas workers. As efforts progressed, additional dirt collapsed into the hole, further complicating the operation. Approximately 30 minutes after the operation began, it transitioned from a rescue attempt to a recovery effort.
Compounding challenges included the presence of utility lines for gas, water, and communication located beneath the hole. To ensure safety and facilitate the recovery operation, these utility lines were either shut off or diverted. Despite efforts to safely locate these lines, details regarding the type of construction the worker was engaged in at the time of the accident remain unclear.
As of Monday evening, recovery efforts are still ongoing. No additional details about the worker’s identity or the circumstances of the incident have been disclosed. Goodyear Deputy Chief expressed condolences for the worker’s family and colleagues during this difficult time.
As recovery operations continued, authorities closed Lower Buckeye Road in both directions in the vicinity of the site to ensure the safety of both rescue personnel and the public. The efforts are still being coordinated with utility companies to identify the exact locations of the utility lines involved.
Background Context
Construction site accidents can often involve numerous safety risks, particularly in situations where workers are operating in confined or unstable environments. The potential for ground collapse further complicates recovery operations, as seen in this tragic event in Goodyear. Agencies responding to such incidents typically work closely together to devise a plan that prioritizes both the safety of the rescuers and the individual in distress.
The ongoing recovery at the Goodyear construction site highlights the complexities involved when working near utility lines and the need for timely intervention when emergencies arise. In future situations, enhanced safety measures and protocols may be necessary to prevent similar incidents.
FAQ
What happened at the Goodyear construction site?
A construction worker became trapped in a 6 to 7-foot deep hole at a site near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. Agencies are involved in a recovery operation.
What agencies are responding to the incident?
The agencies involved include the Goodyear Fire Department, Goodyear Police Department, Phoenix Fire Department’s technical rescue team, Arizona Public Service (APS), and Southwest Gas workers.
What challenges are rescue teams facing?
Rescue teams are facing several challenges, including additional dirt collapse into the hole and the presence of gas, water, and communication utility lines below the hole, requiring diversion for safety.
Is the worker still alive?
As of the latest updates, officials have not confirmed whether the worker is alive; the operation has transitioned from rescue to recovery.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road, Goodyear |
| Time of Incident | 1:10 p.m., July 28 |
| Depth of Hole | 6 to 7 feet |
| Agencies Involved | Goodyear Fire Department, Goodyear Police Department, Phoenix Fire Department, APS, Southwest Gas |
| Current Status | Recovery operation ongoing as of Monday evening |
| Challenges | Collapse of dirt, utility lines beneath the site |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AZ Central
- Wikipedia: Construction
- AZ Family
- Google Search: Goodyear construction worker incident
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction site safety
- KTAR News
- Google News: Goodyear construction site incident
- ABC 15
- Google Scholar: Construction safety protocols
- 12 News
