Fatal Incident in Mashhad Water Transmission Project; Renewed Emphasis on Safety Measures in Excavation Operations

A soil wall collapse in a water transmission construction project in Mashhad has led to the death of two workers—an incident that once again underscores the critical importance of safety compliance, continuous risk assessment, and strict supervision during excavation and trenching operations.

According to the Labor Health and Safety Supportive News Platform, quoting the Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA), on June 6th, a section of the soil wall in an excavated trench along Resalat Boulevard suddenly caved in. At the time of the incident, two workers—aged 32 and 52—were working inside the trench when they were trapped under the collapsing soil.

Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene following reports of the collapse. Due to the large volume of soil and debris, accessing the trapped workers was extremely challenging. Initial assessments revealed that both workers had succumbed to suffocation within minutes as a result of the pressure and blockage of the air passages caused by the heavy collapse.

Occupational safety experts emphasize that excavation and trenching activities are among the highest-risk operations in construction projects. Compliance with essential safety requirements—such as proper wall stabilization, use of shoring systems, appropriate soil sloping, ground condition assessments, continuous monitoring by safety officers, and worker training—is vital in preventing such incidents. Additionally, the use of personal protective equipment, monitoring weather conditions, and restricting unnecessary presence of personnel inside deep excavations are considered key preventive measures.

This incident occurred while similar accidents have previously been reported in the same area. In March 2026, during the construction of a wastewater canal along Resalat Boulevard (Kashmiri Street) in Mashhad, the collapse of a soil wall at a depth of approximately six meters caused the death of a trench worker.

The recurrence of such incidents in construction projects highlights the urgent need for stronger attention to Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) requirements, promotion of safety culture within worksites, and strict oversight to ensure adherence to safety procedures during excavation and confined-space operations. These measures are essential to reducing occupational accidents and protecting the lives of the workforce.