Two contractors were overcome, apparently by fumes from glue and sealants, as they repaired the foundation in a deep trench beneath a deck in Lakewood this Wednesday afternoon.
Both men were rushed to Swedish Medical Center in Englewood in critical condition.
“Both men were barely breathing when our crews arrived,” said Cindy Matthews, a spokeswoman for West Metro Fire Rescue. “But we’re hopeful for a positive outcome.”
One of the two had improved enough to be released from the hospital tonight and the second was expected to be released soon.
The incident happened at about 3:30 p.m. at Tall Pines Condos at 3627 South Depew St., when one worker banged on the home owner’s door and said his coworker was unconscious in the trench, which Matthews said was about 8 feet deep.
By the time the homeowner called for help and went outside, both workers were unconscious in the trench, Matthews said.
Investigators with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration began their investigation soon after the men were rescued, though poor ventilation for the toxic fumes appeared to be the culprit, Matthews said.
