Officials: Md. Man Dies After Trench Collapses, Buries Him

SOMERSET, N.J. (AP) -- A Maryland man working in a drainage ditch outside a central New Jersey home was killed when he was buried in a trench collapse.

The accident occurred around 4 p.m. Monday in Franklin Township.

Authorities say firefighters found the 43-year-old Salisbury man buried in the 7-foot trench when they arrived at the home. Five other workers were on scene when the accident occurred, and they attempted to free him out after the walls of the hole gave way.

Firefighters soon built shoring to extricate the man, and he was freed after about two hours. But he was pronounced dead shortly after 6 p.m.

The victim's name has not been released, pending notification of relatives.

Authorities say the house was under construction and the workers were digging a trench for utilities.