Cemetery worker trapped after falling into open grave in South Brunswick

WABC logo
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Worker rescued after falling into open grave in New Jersey
Rescuers saved a Holy Cross Cemetery worker who became trapped in a grave in South Brunswick, NJ. Toni Yates has the breaking details.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Two dozen first responders helped rescue a cemetery worker who became trapped in a grave on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident happened at the Holy Cross Cemetery on Cranbury Road around 1 p.m.

Officials said a funeral service had just wrapped up when the 47-year-old worker fell through a wood board about six feet down into an open grave.

He appeared to separate his shoulder, leaving him injured and unable to move.

Crews worked to shore up the hole so they could get the worker out.

"Rescue technicians deployed trench panels and ground pads to stabilize the area in and around the pit. We then had to use a rope system to get the man out of the grave and turn him over to EMS. It took time to make sure everything worked out," Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad Chief Matthew Stiff said.

The man was rescued shortly after 2 p.m. and was alert. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

ALSO READ | NJ family trapped in Israel following Hamas attack

----------

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More New Jersey news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.