A construction worker died Tuesday afternoon after a water main ruptured at a busy Frisco intersection, according to city officials.
The incident occurred in Frisco, Texas, where emergency responders were called to the intersection of Eldorado and Independence Parkways following reports of a water rescue situation.
Frisco Police and Fire responded around 1:21 p.m. on Feb. 10 after a main water line pipe suddenly burst while contractors were conducting repairs. According to a press release from the city, the rupture rapidly filled the underground access well and safety box with water.
Officials said two contractors from a private construction crew were inside the safety box when the pipe gave way. One worker was able to escape as water rushed in, but the second worker became trapped.
Emergency crews worked quickly to secure the scene and conduct rescue operations. However, the second contractor was later found deceased.
City officials did not release the victim’s identity pending notification of next of kin.
Authorities confirmed that the crew involved was not working on a City of Frisco project but was part of a private construction operation. The city also did not disclose the name of the company employing the workers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other safety authorities are investigating the incident to determine what led to the rupture and whether safety protocols were properly followed.
Work involving underground utilities, particularly water and sewer lines, can present significant hazards. Sudden pressure changes, aging infrastructure or weakened pipe materials can result in unexpected failures. Safety boxes and trench protection systems are typically used to shield workers from cave-ins or flooding, but rapid water intrusion can create life-threatening conditions within seconds.
City officials have not yet indicated whether nearby residents experienced service disruptions as a result of the rupture.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected once authorities complete their review of the scene and workplace conditions.
Originally reported by Rachel Behrndt in WFAA.
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