WASHINGTON – Emergency responders in Howard County rescued a man buried to his chest in a trench Saturday in Columbia, Maryland.

According to Howard County Fire and Rescue, the man was digging a waterline on the 6400 block of Barchink Place at around 7:30 Saturday evening when the trench collapsed.  The man’s condition was described as “stable and alert.”

BGE was called to make sure utilities were secured for the rescue. The fire department said the trench was about 10 feet deep, and it took about 50 minutes personnel and almost an hour to free the man.

Access in the area is limited. Drivers are asked to avoid Oakland Mills Road between Old Montgomery Road and Dobbin Road.