BOSTON (WHDH) - Two people are presumed dead after a water main break flooded a trench where several workers were working.
A private construction crew was working on a brownstone on Dartmouth Street between Montgomery and Tremont when a water main break sent water into the trench. Several workers were able to escape the scene, but two could not.
Recovery efforts are continuing in the South End as workers are currently working on securing the structure before the bodies can be recovered.
Witnesses described a panicked scene as water rushed into the street, with workers escaping and then rushing to try to save their colleagues.
Workers were “visibly shaken” after the incident.
RELATED: Local company loses two workers killed in water main break
Fire officials say a “recovery operation” is currently underway.
“I think it’s going to be quite a while,” before emergency crews can recover the deceased, said Boston Commissioner William Evans.
Police, fire, and federal workplace investigators are currently on the scene.
Water is turned off in the area, the road has been blocked off, and city officials are asking people to avoid the area.
According to the commissioner, the hole was roughly 12 feet deep.
The Boston Fire Department has requested a response from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).
Officials are currently investigating the structural integrity of the sidewalk and street.
Boston Police have confirmed that Dartmouth Street will be closed to traffic from Tremont to Warren and is expected to be closed through the evening commute. Police ask the public to avoid the area.
Stay with 7News for more information as it becomes available.
Multiple units operating on-scene @ 10 Dartmouth St. @ construction site, 2 people evaluated so far – all other units advised to avoid area.
— Boston EMS (@BOSTON_EMS) October 21, 2016
Response to area 10 Dartmouth St. for a water main break flooding a 2'x20' trench in the street. At least 1 worker trapped
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) October 21, 2016
Tech Rescue response on scene. Trench flooded. This is now a recovery operation. @BOSTON_WATER on scene. Water shut off.
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) October 21, 2016
Using large vacuum to assist in removing water from trench. Unknown how deep. Recovery not rescue operation.
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) October 21, 2016
Traffic Alert: Dartmouth St from Tremont to Warren closed to traffic. Please avoid area
— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) October 21, 2016
Once most of the water is out of the hole, a trench box will be lowered to secure walls of trench to prevent collapse
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) October 21, 2016
Then rescue workers will enter trench to begin recovery of at least one victim. Ongoing.
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) October 21, 2016
Very difficult operation on Dartmouth St. 1st responders trying to respect the deceased while continuing the recovery.
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) October 21, 2016
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