UPDATE: TOSHA now investigating fatal trench collapse

UPDATE: Tennessee's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) is investigating the deadly trench collapse that happened Thursday in Cleveland.
The collapse claimed the life of a worker at Dillard Construction who was nine feet below the surface.

Coworkers tried to rescue the man, but were unable to. The rescue operation moved into a recovery phase once first responders determined the victim was no longer alive.

TOSHA explained to Local 3 News that an investigator was sent to the site to begin the inquiry that will determine the circumstances that led to the worker’s death.

Typically, the site is surveyed, company records are examined and interviews are conducted.

The investigation into a fatality can take as long as six months to complete.

TOSHA conducted a history search for Dillard Construction and did not locate any prior inspection, complaint by letter, or rapid response investigations involving the company.
Dillard Construction released the following statement:
 
"We are completely devastated by what occurred yesterday to one of our employees. We are fully committed to cooperating with the agencies that are investigating this tragedy. Our deepest thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with his family, friends, and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time."

__________

PREVIOUS STORY: The construction worker who fell into a trench was determined to be deceased mid-rescue, when the operation turned into a recovery.
The Cleveland Asst. Fire Chief called this a "rare incident."
 
Eighteen agencies responded to the scene on Thursday afternoon. 

Crews on the scene say the victim was 9 feet under the surface, partially covered. Fellow workers tried to rescue the victim, but the ground was unstable.
 
The victim's brother was notified in Mexico.
 
Extra support was brought in to keep emergency response teams hydrated and fed.

__________
 
PREVIOUS STORY: Several agencies are in Cleveland on Thursday working to get the body of a construction worker out of a trench.

Cleveland police spokesperson Sgt. Evie West says the incident happened at the intersection of Corporate Drive SW and Industrial Drive SW at around 1:15pm.

West says police were called to the scene after a report came in that a worker was buried in a trench at the site.

At some point during the rescue attempt, West says it was determined that the male victim was deceased.

Special Operations Division & Urban Search & Rescue are responding to Corporate Dr. and Industrial Drive.

West says crews are now working to recover the man's body.

His name has not been released.

It's unclear how the man ended up in the trench.

We have a crew at the scene following this story.
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