Construction worker rescued from trench collapse in Belvidere

BELVIDERE -- Emergency workers in northern Illinois have rescued a 38-year-old construction worker from a trench collapse.

Belvidere fire chief David Worrell said Monday that the worker became trapped in dirt up to his chest. He says it took rescue crews about 2½ hours to free the worker.

Authorities say construction workers were moving dirt to run lines into a nearby fast food restaurant. Worrell says the worker was conscious as crews tried to extricate him from the 8-foot deep trench.

The fire chief says recent rains made the soil loose and wet, causing a suction effect, making it difficult for rescuers.

The worker was taken on a stretcher by helicopter to an area hospital. He was not identified.