On Friday, December 12th, the Oak Ridge Fire Department (ORFD) Collapse Rescue Team and equipment was requested to assist with the extrication of a person trapped in a trench collapse in Roane County.   While installing sewer lines, the trench excavation collapsed on workers covering one of the employees to just above his chest with soil, approximately eight (8) feet below the street.  Crews from Roane County Fire and EMS, along with a Vacuum Truck from the TVA Kingston Steam Plant, UT Lifestar helicopter, the Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad and the City of Oak Ridge Fire Department responded and worked together as a team to extricate the worker, where he was then flown to UT Hospital.

The Oak Ridge Fire Department works with the Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad and Knoxville Fire Department training and responding to specialized rescue calls. ORFD has a vehicle and mobile trailer specially equipped to respond to trench and structural collapse incidents. The Fire Department serves as the response team for the City Public Works Department and several commercial businesses in town. Chief Kerley said he was, "pleased his department was able to provide equipment and trained staff to assist in the mutual aid request to extricate the trapped worker." 

For additional information contact Chief Kerley at (865) 755-5364