A trench collapsed Friday in Harlem, trapping a worker who had to be rescued from chest-deep debris, officials said.
The 7-foot trench collapsed at a construction area on 122nd Street at Park Avenue.
Firefighters and rescue medics used a vacuum truck to suck out debris and get to the victim.
Those on scene said workers were doing waterproofing work on the foundation of a building there. Loose debris from one wall of the trench fell in on the man, trapping him.
The Department of Buildings said the contractor was operating without a permit; a stop work order was issued. Officials also found that the trench walls were not property shored up.
The victim was in serious but stable condition at Harlem Hospital.
