Fire fighters were called to Meadowbank just before 3pm on Friday. Photo: RNZ / Rob Dixon
A WorkSafe investigation is underway after a person was seriously injured in a trench collapse in Auckland.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said firefighters were called to an address on Rutherford Terrace in Meadowbank just before 3pm on Friday, after reports of a person becoming trapped under a collapsed wall.
FENZ shift manager Ryan Geen said site workers had been trying to rescue the person before firefighters arrived.
A police spokesperson said one person was seriously injured during the incident, while a second person had moderate injuries. Both were taken to Auckland City Hospital.
WorkSafe investigation manager Danielle Henry said it was too early to determine what had gone wrong at the site.
"Excavation failures are particularly dangerous because they can occur quickly, limiting the ability of workers to escape, especially if the collapse is extensive."
Anyone digging a trench should first seek a geotechnical assessment of the site to check soil stability; ensure the trench was adequately supported; and there was safe access in and out of the trench, she said.
