WA, feds investigate trench collapse that shut down worksite, hurt 2 workers

The Prosser construction site where two workers were injured in a trench collapse Sunday remains shut down as an investigation continues.

Heavy equipment remained parked at the lot this week, with no workers present. A yellow stop-work notice, signed by Deputy City Administrator Rachel Shaw, was posted at the scene, halting all activity under emergency authority.

Shaw told the Tri-City Herald on Friday, that the city is cooperating with ongoing investigations by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and could not comment further on specific findings.

“When they arrived, the trench had already collapsed with two individuals inside,” Shaw said. “The trench was about eight feet deep, and emergency personnel had to dig them out.”

Shaw said there were four workers on site at the time of the collapse. Once she was alerted to the incident, she called an emergency meeting at City Hall.

“After our public officials returned from the scene and provided their initial reports, I immediately issued a stop-work order,” she said.

State law allows the city to take emergency enforcement actions. Inspectors were dispatched, and the property owner, Paul Almanza, met city staff on site where the order was formally delivered and posted.

“The area has been secured to ensure no one can access the trench or risk further injury,” Shaw said. “They were advised to keep the site stable, but no work, other than dust control using water, is allowed.”

According to Shaw, the trench was part of a project to install sewer and water utility connections.

Shaw said she has not received direct updates on the condition of the two injured workers.

“I believe that some of the emergency personnel have been in contact with them, but from my understanding, they are recovering from their injuries,” she said. “We did reach out to make sure they were okay.”

“The city wishes the two injured workers a full and speedy recovery. We’re committed to monitoring the situation and ensuring that construction in Prosser upholds the highest safety and ethical standards.”

This story was originally published June 28, 2025 at 5:00 AM.