Collapsed retaining wall trapped Buford man underground
BUFORD, Ga. -- Gwinnett Fire Rescue Team members rescued a man from a backyard accident in Buford on Tuesday afternoon.
It was at a home off Camp Branch Road where a retaining wall collapsed and left a construction worker trapped in a ditch.
Tommy Rutledge of the Gwinnett Co. Fire Department said the man was rescued but could not get out on his own. Crews believe a large piece of heavy concrete, along with dirt had pinned him face-down against the foundation and basement of the home. Further, he was covered by the concrete and dirt from his waist down.
Rutledge said the man was conscious and able to speak to the team during the rescue.
He said specially trained firefighters, known as technical rescue technicians worked to get the man free, with the help of air bags that can lift the concrete. They used shoring and cribbing equipment to stabilize the area to prevent further collapse.
