One man was killed and another injured after an accident occurred at an Allentown construction site on Tuesday morning.
Around 8:40 a.m., subcontractors Michael Wilson, 20, and his best friend Otis Smothers, 21, were installing electrical conduit into the Linden Street Bridge between Fourth Street and American Parkway. Suddenly a part of the trench that they were working inside gave way, causing chunks of concrete and gravel to fall and partially bury them.
Wilson was pinned under the debris and died at the scene. His body was recovered a few hours later
Allentown police, firefighters and emergency workers quickly arrived at the scene to try and save them.
Authorities were able to rescue Smothers around 10 a.m. He was taken to the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest and treated for severe cuts and a shoulder injury. He was listed in serious but stable condition.
The two Coatesville men were friends since the 7th grade and had gotten their subcontracting jobs at the same time.
It's unclear if the cement and gravel were part of a support structure or if it fell from above.
The Linden Street Bridge was closed when the accident happened.
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our breaking news newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
