Man freed after trapped under debris

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Fire officials say a man was doing some demolition work in a basement when an entire wall fell on him, and trapped him.

It was part of a remodel project going on and the homeowner hired 47-year-old Hugo Mercedes as a private contractor.

Authorities say the Mercedes was buried up to his chest in light rubble and his ankles and shins became pinned from really heavy material.

Water then rushed into the work site but it’s not clear if the weather played a part in the accident.

He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with some pretty serious injuries that could possibly turn life-threatening depending on how bad his internal injuries are.

Osha is expected to investigate to see whether or not there was any violations.

For now the home is not structurally sound and is not habitable.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018