Builder freed from trench after tons of soil collapses in on him
[gallery] A worker was freed from a 18ft deep trench this afternoon after two tons of soil fell in on him at a building site in the West Midlands.
Emergency services were called to Barclay Road, Bearwood at around 2.30pm, after reports that a worker was in difficulty.
All three emergency services launched a rescue operation, which ended after two and a half hours with the man's release.
He was taken to hospital and has been treated for chest and potential pelvic injuries.
Barclay Road was shut between Lightwoods Hill and St Mary's Road.
The man is believed to have been working on a spot of land, between two houses, which was being redeveloped.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "Crews were called to reports of a man who had become trapped in a trench that he had been working in. It is believed that one of the sides collapsed in on the hole, which was approximately 18 feet deep.
"On arrival at the scene crews could only see the man's head. Ambulance personnel quickly dug away some of the earth to help free the man.
"Emergency services worked closely together for over two and a half hours to extricate the man safely from the trench. Crews used specialist stretcher equipment and a hoist to finally release him from the hole.
Emergency services work at the scene
"The man, believed to be in his early 20's, was treated for chest and potential pelvic injuries and was conveyed to the Major Trauma Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further assessment and treatment.
"A trauma doctor travelled on board the ambulance along with the crew continuing to provide emergency medical treatment whilst en route to hospital.
"The hospital was pre-alerted and medics were on standby awaiting the arrival of the man."
