# Tragedy in Norwich: Man Dies in Trench Collapse During Sewer Connection Work
A tragic workplace accident in Norwich, Connecticut has claimed the life of a 60-year-old man. A trench collapsed during sewer connection work, leaving Michael Dirocco, a Norwich resident, partially buried when emergency crews arrived on Thursday evening, June 13.
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Despite rescue efforts and immediate medical attention, Dirocco died at Backus Hospital. Multiple agencies have launched an investigation into the circumstances behind this devastating incident.
Details of the Fatal Trench Collapse
On Thursday evening, routine utility work in a quiet Norwich neighborhood turned deadly. Emergency services got the distress call around 6:16 p.m. and rushed to the scene.
They found Michael Dirocco, 60, partially buried in a collapsed trench. The whole situation unfolded quickly, leaving little time for anyone to react.
Emergency Response and Outcome
First responders immediately started life-saving measures at the scene, doing everything they could to rescue Dirocco from the collapsed earth. Paramedics transported him by ambulance to Backus Hospital, where medical professionals continued emergency treatment.
Despite their efforts, Dirocco was pronounced dead from the injuries he suffered in the collapse. The news has shaken the Norwich community and sparked concerns about trench safety protocols across eastern Connecticut, including towns like New London, Groton, and Waterford.
Project Background and Investigation
Officials said the trench had been excavated to connect a private residence’s sewer system to the municipal sewer line. These kinds of connections happen all over Connecticut, from Hartford to Mystic, but they can be risky if safety protocols slip.
Multi-Agency Response
Several agencies responded right away, including:
They took the incident seriously. Similar emergency protocols are in place in neighboring communities like Montville and Preston, where utility work is part of daily life.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities are still investigating what caused the collapse. Detective Heather Meikle is leading the case, working with occupational safety experts to figure out if trench safety measures were followed.
Public Assistance Requested
The Norwich Police Department is asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses or anyone with relevant details can contact Detective Meikle directly or use the department’s anonymous tip line. They promise to keep all information confidential.
This tragedy shines a light on the dangers of excavation work, which happens all over Connecticut from Stonington to Willimantic. Construction safety experts often warn that trench collapses are especially dangerous, since soil can weigh hundreds of pounds per cubic foot and create crushing forces when walls give way.
Trench Safety Awareness
This incident really drives home how crucial proper trench safety is. OSHA says any trench deeper than 5 feet needs protective systems, unless workers dig in solid rock.
These systems—sloping, shoring, and shielding—help prevent collapses like the one that took Dirocco’s life. It’s tough to think about, but it’s a reality for so many utility workers out there.
While investigators keep working, the Norwich community is grieving. Safety officials across Connecticut are taking a hard look at their own protocols right now.
If you’ve got any information about this incident, reach out to Detective Heather Meikle or use the Norwich Police Department’s anonymous tip line.
Here is the source article for this story: Norwich Police respond to fatality following trench collapse: What we know
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