Trevor Kilgore's harrowing experience on June 12, 2023, at a home construction site in Iowa has left a lasting impact. He was working in a trench when the wall suddenly gave way, burying him alive for about 20 minutes. This incident has led to a lawsuit against his former employer and other defendants, alleging negligence.

Unfathomable Burial - Iowa Trench Collapse Tragedy

Details of the Incident

According to the complaint filed in Iowa District Court, Trevor Kilgore was an employee of Iowa-based contractor Edwards Enterprises. On that fateful day, his co-worker, who lacked proper OSHA education and training, dug a trench using an excavator. Gregg Edwards, the president of Edwards Enterprises, failed to arrive at the job site to ensure its safety.As Kilgore was working inside the 12-foot deep, improperly benched, and inadequately protected trench, the wall collapsed, fully burying him under a wall of dirt. He managed to dive towards the side of the wall and create an air pocket to avoid being crushed. Describing the moment, he said, "I looked behind me and that entire wall was coming at me. I tried my best to scrunch, so it didn’t crush my head. It smacked my head against the other wall. And then I just yelled for help."An image from the scene shows the extent of the disaster. The other employee who dug the trench heard Kilgore's desperate plea, "Please save me. Don’t let me die." Kilgore was buried alive by a 10-12 feet deep wall of clay-like dirt, with his head, neck, back, chest, arms, and legs crushed.After 5-10 minutes, his head was cleared of dirt, but he remained buried alive from the neck down for another 15-20 minutes. He also had difficulty breathing due to the weight of the dirt. Even after his head was uncovered, he worried about not being able to get his lower half out and being ripped in half.Emergency responders finally assisted Kilgore in emerging from the trench more than 30 minutes after he was buried. As a result of this traumatic event, he sustained serious and permanent physical injuries as well as mental health issues and has been unable to return to work at Edwards Enterprises.In addition to Edwards, the lawsuit named Jerry’s Homes, R&D Plumbing, and the other employee as defendants, alleging negligence. The complaint stated that as the designated competent person, Edwards was required to know all applicable OSHA excavation safety rules and regulations but failed to do so, making it highly probable that Kilgore would be seriously injured or killed. He also knew the work was "unsafe" but failed to properly train his employees.Kilgore is seeking damages, but the specific amount is not specified in the complaint. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the need for proper training and supervision.

Impact on Kilgore and His Family

During those terrifying minutes buried alive, Kilgore thought he was going to die. His main concern was for his wife and kids, knowing that she would have to take on the responsibility of caring for them. This incident has not only affected his physical well-being but also his mental state, leaving him with lasting scars.The community has been shocked by this tragedy, and people are calling for stricter safety measures in construction sites. It is a wake-up call for employers and workers alike to prioritize safety and ensure that proper precautions are taken to prevent such incidents from happening.Kilgore's story is a heartbreaking reminder of the potential dangers that exist in the construction industry. It is a case that highlights the need for continuous improvement in safety protocols and a greater emphasis on the well-being of workers.