One man is dead, and two others were injured after an excavation pit collapsed on them in North York on Wednesday.
The Toronto Police Service (TPS) said officers were called to the Bayview and Ruddington Avenues area just before 5:30 p.m. for reports of an industrial incident.
The Ministry of Labour confirmed three men were in the pit fixing a sewer pipe when it collapsed on them. One man died, and the two others are recovering from serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Fire officials say they employed “unconventional” means to try and save the men, doing most of the digging with their hands for the better part of an hour.
The Ministry of Labour added that two inspectors were dispatched to the scene, where an investigation is underway. The three men were employed with MeadowBrook Construction, a Mississauga company.
“Our thoughts are with the families and coworkers affected during this difficult time,” a spokesperson with the Ministry of Labour said. “More information will be provided as it becomes available.”