Sewer Trench Collapses Killing Worker in Encino

ENCINO, CA — A sewer repair worker was killed Wednesday evening when a trench collapsed in Encino.

The collapse was reported at 6:25 p.m. at 5055 Louise Ave., near Ventura Boulevard, said Nicholas Prange of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

"Initial findings suggests the worker descended into the trench to do work on an underground sewer line when a catastrophic failure of the trench occurred," Prange said around 7:40 p.m. when he announced the death.

The trench was between 10 and 20 feet deep, Prange said.

An Urban Search and Rescue Team responded to the scene, and shored up the trench before recovering the body, Prange said.

The Mayor's Crisis Response Team was called in to support surviving friends, family and co-workers, Prange said.

The cause of the collapse was not known, Prange said.

City News Service