2 Workers Dead in New Jersey Trench Collapse: Police

Two landscapers died after becoming trapped in a backyard trench while working on a construction project in New Jersey Wednesday, authorities said.

The body of the first worker was recovered that afternoon. Boonton Mayor Cy Wekilsky told News 12 the body of the second worker has also been recovered.

The workers got trapped in a dirt trench in the backyard on Rockaway Valley Road while they were working on a French drain construction project around 4 p.m., police said. 

Four landscapers were excavating a drainage pipe when the trench began to give way and one of the workers got trapped, according to Fortunato. Another man jumped in to try and save him, and the two got stuck in the trench, estimated to be at least 10 feet deep. 

A third worker had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Family members identified one of the two victims as Oscar Portillo. Relatives said the men were from Honduras and close friends who worked for the landscaping company for several years. 

"They're here to work, they're here for their families, sending money back," said Joshua Neves of Morristown. "It's a tragedy." 

Police haven't identified the landscaping company. 

-- Brynn Gingras contributed to this report. Follow Brynn at @Brynn4NY

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