Worker rescued from trench collapse at Manhattan construction site

LOWER EAST SIDE (WABC) -- Rescuers pulled a worker from construction site on Grand Street on the Lower East Side, where he was trapped in a hole from his waist down Wednesday afternoon.

The worker fell into a collapsed trench and was buried about 10 to 12 feet down in soil and rock. He was alert and conscious when he was pulled out.

FDNY Rescue and Collapse units and EMS Rescue Medics were all at the scene working to get him out, in an operation that took about an hour.

The worker was talking to rescuers as they worked to free him. He was taken to the hospital in serious condition with non life-threatening injuries.

A Con Edison vacuum truck arrived at the scene to remove debris from around the worker.

Authorities say the contractor had dug the trench to access a broken standpipe when the shoring gave way. They did not have a permit for the work.

The Department of Buildings issued a full stop work order for the site until plans can be drawn up and proper permits obtained.

Violations for working without a permit and failing to safeguard were issued to the building and the contractor.

The worker was treated and released.