Firefighters rescued a trapped man at a construction site near Bramshot Avenue, Charlton.
A trench, approximately twelve metres long and four metres deep, collapsed and trapped a man up to his waist in sand and clay. Five Fire Rescue Units formed part of the Brigade's response, deploying specially trained Urban Search and Rescue crews to the scene. Crews worked to make the scene safe and rescue the trapped individual.
One of the Brigade's 32m ladders was also deployed to the scene to assist crews as they carried out rescue operations. Throughout the incident firefighters worked closely with the London Ambulance Service Hazardous Area Response Team, who coordinated medical care throughout the incident.
Crews worked methodically to extract the trapped man, excavating sand and clay from the trench to increase access. As they did this, steps were taken to shore up and stabilise the trench to prevent any further collapse. The Brigade was first called about the collapse at 1229, and the incident was over for crews by 1847. Once the man was released from the trench, he was taken to hospital by paramedics.
Firefighters from East Greenwich, Eltham, Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations attended the scene. Responsibility for the scene has been handed over to the Metropolitan Police Service and Health and Safety Executive.