Latest news: Workman killed after trench collapses

Published on Thursday 3 April 2008 10:34

A WORKMAN was killed today after he was trapped in a trench while laying pipes.

Emergency services launched a major rescue operation after the man got stuck in the hole.

He is thought to have been working on a sewerage system for a contractor on behalf of Scottish Water when the trench collapsed.

The man was working in Cranhill Park in the east end of Glasgow.

The alarm was raised around midday.

A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said the man was dead at the scene.

Strathclyde Police said it was not known how he became trapped in the trench.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) spokesman said it appeared that the trench collapsed, leaving the man trapped.

Two HSE inspectors were at the scene and an investigation has been launched.

A Scottish Water spokesperson said : "Contractors are relaying a 300-millimetre sewer on behalf of Scottish Water.

"Senior Scottish Water officials are on their way to the scene.

"Health and safety is always a top priority for Scottish Water and our contractors."