Suburban Detroit worker dies after trench collapses

EASTPOINTE, Mich. (AP) - A public works employee has died following a trench collapse in suburban Detroit, authorities said.

A crew had been called out to repair a water main break in Eastpointe when water and mud poured into the trench about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Deputy Fire Chief Nick Sage said the victim was trapped about 10 minutes before firefighters could pull him out, according to The Macomb Daily of Mount Clemens.

He later died at a hospital.

The worker was identified by Eastpointe City Manager Elke Doom as Brian Theobald, a 13-year public works employee.

“Brian died serving the citizens of Eastpointe and will always be remembered,” Doom said Thursday in a statement.

The trench was estimated at about 10 feet (3 meters) deep.

An investigator with Michigan’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration was sent to the site.