Trench Collapse Outside Cape Cod Restaurant Results in Two Injured and One Worker’s Death

Trench work is among the most dangerous tasks in the construction industry, and every year workers lose their lives in accidents that, in many cases, could have been prevented with proper safety measures. A recent tragedy on Cape Cod underscores just how quickly these incidents can unfold and the devastating impact they have on workers, families, and entire communities. When a trench collapses, the force of the soil can trap or crush workers in seconds, leaving little time for escape and making rescue efforts extremely challenging.

The incident in Yarmouth serves as a sobering reminder of the risks construction workers face every day. Even on routine sewer or utility projects, the combination of unstable soil, inadequate protective systems, and high-pressure working conditions can create a perfect storm for disaster. As investigators continue examining what led to this collapse, the event highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols designed to prevent these tragedies.

On a quiet Tuesday morning in Yarmouth, a routine sewer construction project turned tragic when a trench suddenly collapsed, injuring two workers and leaving a third presumed dead. The accident occurred along South Shore Drive, directly in front of The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House, where crews had been working on underground utility lines. Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 8:51 a.m. after receiving reports that workers had become trapped beneath the unstable soil.

According to Fire Chief Enrique Arrascue, first responders arrived to find two workers inside the trench—one buried up to the waist and another who had leapt in attempting to help his colleague. The rescuer managed to escape on his own and was transported to Cape Cod Hospital for medical care. Meanwhile, the worker who remained trapped required an extensive and highly technical rescue operation that stretched into the early afternoon. Crews battled repeated cave-ins as they worked, with soil continually shifting and collapsing around them, making progress slow and dangerous.

By just before 2 p.m., rescue teams were finally able to free the partially buried worker, who was immediately airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital for emergency treatment due to the severity of his injuries. Unfortunately, officials confirmed that a third worker remained completely buried in the trench and was believed to have died in the collapse. Recovery efforts for the deceased worker continued for several hours as crews navigated hazardous, unstable conditions in an attempt to retrieve the body safely.

Chief Arrascue noted that the rescue required significant manpower, resources, and patience due to the ongoing instability of the trench. The incident stands as a tragic example of the dangers associated with excavation work and the devastating consequences that can occur when a trench gives way, even in a matter of seconds.

Trenches are among the most hazardous work environments in the construction industry because they can become unstable with little warning. When a trench collapses, thousands of pounds of soil can fall instantly, trapping or crushing workers before they have time to react. Even relatively shallow trenches can pose life-threatening risks, as the sheer weight of compacted earth can restrict breathing, cause severe internal injuries, or immobilize victims. Rescue operations are also extremely dangerous, often requiring specialized equipment and highly trained teams to prevent secondary cave-ins.

OSHA has long recognized trenching and excavation work as high-risk activities, ranking trench collapses among the leading causes of fatalities in construction. Workers inside a trench may have limited escape routes, and if the sides are not properly shored, shielded, or sloped, the risk of collapse increases dramatically. In many cases, workers are operating heavy tools or machinery within enclosed spaces, further complicating their ability to move quickly in an emergency.

Another major danger is the possibility of repeated collapses during rescue efforts. Once soil begins to shift, the entire trench can become unstable, putting both trapped workers and emergency responders at significant risk. Hazardous atmospheres—such as low oxygen levels or toxic gases—can also develop in deeper trenches, compounding the dangers for anyone who enters. Altogether, trench collapses represent one of the most unpredictable and deadly hazards on a construction site, making strict adherence to safety protocols absolutely essential.

Trench collapses typically occur when the soil surrounding an excavation becomes unstable and gives way—often because critical safety procedures were overlooked or improperly executed. One of the most common causes is the failure to conduct an adequate soil assessment before work begins. Different soil types react differently to moisture, vibration, and pressure, and without proper analysis, workers may not realize how vulnerable a trench is to collapse. When these risks go unidentified, crews may proceed without the protective systems needed to keep the walls from caving in.

A lack of trench support systems is another leading contributor to these accidents. Federal safety regulations require trenches deeper than five feet to be protected with shoring, shielding, or sloping. However, when contractors cut corners to save time or money, they may skip installing trench boxes or fail to provide adequate reinforcement. Even a minor shift in soil pressure can cause an unsupported trench to collapse, leaving workers with little to no chance of escape.

Environmental and operational factors can also play a major role. Heavy machinery placed too close to the trench edge can cause the ground to destabilize. Vibrations from nearby vehicles, construction equipment, or even passing traffic can speed up soil movement. Weather conditions, such as rainfall or snowmelt, can weaken the integrity of the trench walls. In many cases, a combination of small oversights—poor planning, inadequate supervision, and improper training—can build up over time, culminating in a catastrophic collapse. Ultimately, most trench accidents are preventable with proper safety protocols, making it crucial for employers and contractors to prioritize worker protection at every step.

When a trench collapse occurs, determining who is legally responsible can be a complex process involving multiple parties. Construction sites often include general contractors, subcontractors, equipment suppliers, property owners, and various supervisory personnel—each with distinct responsibilities for worker safety. Liability frequently hinges on whether any of these parties failed to follow OSHA regulations, ignored safety hazards, or otherwise contributed to the conditions that caused the collapse. A thorough investigation is essential to uncover whether negligence, unsafe work practices, or defective equipment played a role.

In many cases, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation benefits to injured employees, regardless of who caused the accident. While workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, it does not provide compensation for pain and suffering or hold negligent third parties accountable. That’s why workers and their families often pursue additional claims against third parties whose actions—or failures—directly led to the trench collapse. For example, a subcontractor who removed a trench box to speed up a job, or a property owner who demanded work continue despite unsafe conditions, may be held liable for the resulting harm.

OSHA investigations also play a critical role in determining fault. Inspectors examine the scene, review safety records, interview witnesses, and identify any violations of federal excavation standards. Evidence of improper soil classification, missing protective systems, or inadequate supervision can significantly strengthen an injured worker’s claim. Because trench accidents frequently involve overlapping responsibilities and competing accounts, having legal representation that understands construction site liability is essential. A knowledgeable attorney can identify all responsible parties, preserve crucial evidence, and ensure that victims receive the full compensation they deserve.

For decades, Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers has been a trusted advocate for workers injured on construction sites throughout Massachusetts. Trench collapses, scaffolding failures, equipment malfunctions, and other workplace hazards can leave victims facing long recoveries, permanent disabilities, or life-changing losses. The firm understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on workers and their families, and they are committed to guiding victims through every step of the legal process with compassion and determination.

One of the firm’s strengths is its ability to conduct thorough and independent investigations. After a trench collapse or other construction accident, critical evidence must be preserved quickly before the site changes or responsible parties attempt to shift blame. The team works with engineering experts, OSHA consultants, safety analysts, and medical professionals to understand precisely what went wrong and who is accountable. Whether the cause was missing trench supports, inadequate supervision, improper training, or equipment defects, the firm’s attorneys build strong cases rooted in detailed fact-finding and expert testimony.

In addition to handling workers’ compensation claims, Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers aggressively pursues third-party liability cases when negligence extends beyond an employer. This can dramatically increase the compensation available to victims, covering losses such as pain and suffering, diminished earning capacity, funeral expenses in wrongful death cases, and long-term medical care. Their legal team takes a strategic and personalized approach to each case, ensuring that injured workers and grieving families receive the strongest possible advocacy.

Above all, the firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of workers and ensuring that companies who violate safety standards are held accountable. Families affected by a serious worksite accident deserve answers, justice, and financial stability during an incredibly difficult time. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers stands ready to help victims rebuild their lives and secure the compensation they need and deserve.

The tragic trench collapse in Cape Cod is a painful reminder of the dangers construction workers face every day and how quickly a routine job can turn deadly when safety measures fail. This incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to excavation safety standards, proper training, and vigilant oversight on every worksite. No worker should lose their life simply for showing up to do their job, and yet trench collapses continue to claim lives each year—most of them entirely preventable.

As investigators continue to examine what led to the collapse in Yarmouth, the families affected are left grappling with unimaginable grief and uncertainty. Injured workers face long roads to recovery, while loved ones of the deceased are left seeking answers and accountability. Understanding what causes trench accidents, why they’re so dangerous, and who may be responsible is an important step toward ensuring that similar tragedies do not occur in the future.

For those impacted by severe workplace accidents, having a knowledgeable and dedicated legal team is essential. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers has spent decades supporting injured workers and grieving families across Massachusetts, helping them secure justice, financial compensation, and the resources they need to move forward. If you or someone you love has been harmed in a worksite accident, the firm stands ready to provide guidance and fight for your rights during this difficult time.