March 3, 2025

Tragic Trench Collapse Claims Life of Construction Worker in Newberry County

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News Summary

A construction worker lost his life in Newberry County, South Carolina, due to a trench collapse during a routine water line operation. Despite attempts from fellow workers and rescue teams, the life-saving efforts were unsuccessful. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has initiated an investigation into the incident, which raises serious concerns about safety practices in construction. The local community mourns the loss and emphasizes the critical need for adherence to safety guidelines to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Tragic Day in Newberry County: Construction Worker Fatality in Trench Collapse

On a tragic Monday morning, a construction site in Newberry County, South Carolina, became the scene of a devastating accident that claimed the life of a 53-year-old construction worker. Anthony Marquet Hollowman, a resident of Bishopville, was involved in a routine operation laying a water line when an unforeseen trench collapse occurred.

Incident Overview

The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office reported that authorities received an emergency call around 10:50 a.m. regarding the incident, which took place in the 7700 block of Macedonia Church Road in Prosperity, near the shores of beautiful Lake Murray. Shortly after the call, deputies rushed to the scene, but unfortunately, life-saving efforts were in vain, as the coroner confirmed Hollowman died at the site.

Rescue Attempts

Despite the immediate actions taken by fellow construction workers who attempted to rescue Hollowman, their efforts were tragically unsuccessful. In response to the dire situation, specialized trench rescue units from Whitmire Rescue were quickly deployed to assist in recovering the victim. Additional support was gathered from Newberry County Rescue and Fire Services to handle the unfolding emergency.

Expert Assistance on Scene

Recognizing the need for advanced rescue techniques, the incident commander on scene requested the expertise of the Columbia Fire Department and Lexington County Fire Services, both of which have a proven track record in conducting trench and confined space rescues. This collaboration underscored the seriousness of the incident and the determination to address the hazardous situation effectively.

Investigation Underway

The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and the coroner’s office have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the trench collapse. The investigation will delve into the operations of the construction site, safety protocols in place, and the series of events that ultimately led to this tragic accident. As part of the ongoing inquiry, an autopsy is scheduled to be performed this week to determine the cause of death more conclusively.

Notable Safety Concerns

This incident raises significant concerns about safety practices in construction, particularly regarding trench work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has stringent guidelines intended to protect workers in such hazardous conditions. Authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to these guidelines to prevent future incidents of this nature.

Community Shock and Support

The local community is in mourning following the loss of Hollowman. Families, friends, and fellow workers are rallying together to express their condolences and support each other during this difficult time. Tragedies like this remind everyone of the real dangers present in construction work, where safety must always be the top priority.

Moving Forward

As the investigation unfolds and details about the incident continue to emerge, the focus must remain on ensuring that such tragedies do not happen again. The hope is that regulatory bodies will take action to improve safety measures across the industry, providing construction workers with the protection and security they deserve while performing their vital jobs.