By 1808Delaware
It was a typical Monday afternoon in Sunbury—until it wasn’t.
Just after 1:30 p.m. on July 14, emergency tones echoed through Delaware County dispatch. A trench had collapsed behind 801 Mill Stone Drive in the Price Ponds residential development, trapping two workers 30 feet below ground in a mountain of shifting earth.
Bystanders rushed to help, scrambling into the trench in an attempt to free the victims. But it was the swift arrival and coordinated response of multiple fire and EMS units that turned a potential tragedy into a remarkable story of rescue and resilience.
The BST&G Fire District assumed incident command, with first responders quickly removing the would-be rescuers to ensure everyone’s safety. Fire crews then began evaluating the scene and the condition of the two trapped workers. One was buried from the neck down, the other from the waist down—both were alive and conscious, but the clock was ticking.
“Trench rescues are some of the most dangerous and technically demanding operations we face,” said BST&G Fire Chief Christopher Kovach. “They require highly specialized personnel, equipment, and absolute precision.”
Firefighters and rescue technicians stabilized the scene before entering the trench. The first worker was freed in a relatively short time. The second, however, was deeply entrapped. For more than two hours, crews worked through layers of heavy soil in a grueling and meticulous operation. At 3:46 p.m., cheers of relief likely echoed as the final victim was safely extricated.
Both workers were transported by EMS for further medical care.
This high-stakes rescue involved not only local crews but a broad coalition of regional partners. Agencies from across Delaware County and beyond—including multiple township fire departments, Delaware County EMS, Sunbury Police, and MedFlight—played key roles.
“The success of this rescue shows what’s possible when communities come together,” said Assistant Chief Rob Stambaugh. “We’re proud of our team and grateful for our partners.”
What could have ended in tragedy instead became a testament to training, teamwork, and the life-saving power of preparedness.
Source: BST&G Fire District
