Multiple agencies respond to trench collapse at John Hunt Park

Published on September 2, 2021

A trench collapse Thursday resulted in a multiagency response to free three Huntsville Public Works employees. The workers were installing a storm pipe at the northern end of John Hunt Park. Two employees were injured and a third died at the scene.

The injured workers were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The deceased employee has been identified as 55-year-old Bobby Green.

“The City of Huntsville mourns the loss of one of our valued members of our Public Works team,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “I ask that our City family and the Huntsville community pray for the families of Bobby Green and for the two employees who were injured. Bobby will be missed by many.”

Rescue operations were led by Huntsville Fire & Rescue, which freed the injured workers within minutes of the collapse.

“No matter how much equipment or manpower you’ve got, a situation like this is extremely difficult,” said Huntsville Fire & Rescue Chief Howard McFarlen.

Huntsville Police and HEMSI also assisted in the effort, as did a Heavy Rescue Unit from Madison Fire & Rescue.

Public Works employees are in the process of rebuilding storm water infrastructure that services the entire northern end of John Hunt Park and surrounding commercial properties. They have been working on site for several weeks.

The accident is under investigation.