Investigation into the death of 21-year-old continues
Investigations are still ongoing following the death of a 21-year-old at an archaeological excavation site in Leimen (Rhine-Neckar district). The accident site has been cordoned off, a police spokeswoman announced on Thursday. In the coming days, the investigators will examine the scene of the accident again with the help of an expert. It had previously been examined by the criminal investigation department.
In the accident on Monday, a 21-year-old man was buried during archaeological excavation work. The spokeswoman was unable to say whether the man was a construction worker or a research assistant. However, he was part of the excavation team.
The accident happened at the bottom of a historic stone vaulted cellar. Soil and stones started to slide and buried the 21-year-old underneath them. Whether the rain of the previous days had softened the earth too much or the site was inadequately secured still needs to be investigated, according to the spokesperson.
Immediately after the accident, the buried man was rescued with an excavator. Resuscitation attempts by rescue workers were unsuccessful. The 21-year-old reportedly died later in hospital.
The investigation into the tragic accident reveals the need for enhanced safety measures during archaeological excavations to prevent future emergencies. Should similar accidents occur at workplaces, swift response and emergency procedures are crucial to minimize losses.
Source: www.dpa.com
