Mabank, TX (June 21, 2025) – A tragic construction site accident in East Texas claimed the life of a worker on Wednesday, June 18.
Abraham Gomez Cruz, a 38-year-old man from Hutchins, died following a trench collapse in the 1000 block of North State Highway 198. Emergency crews were called to the site where Cruz had become trapped beneath soil in a deep trench. Workers and first responders immediately began efforts to free him while performing life-saving measures.
Despite the quick response and his transport to a hospital in Gun Barrel City, Cruz succumbed to his injuries a short time later. The Texas Department of Public Safety and other safety agencies are now investigating what led to the collapse. Preliminary reports suggest he had been working in the trench at the time of the incident. Authorities have not released additional details about the construction site or company involved, and the investigation remains ongoing. This incident adds to a growing number of fatal workplace accidents in construction zones throughout Texas.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of Abraham Gomez Cruz.
Workplace Accidents in Texas
Workplace accidents are a significant concern across Texas, especially in industries like construction. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, hundreds of workers are injured each year on the job, with many accidents occurring in high-risk environments such as trenches, scaffolding, and heavy machinery areas. Trench collapses, in particular, can prove deadly, often giving workers little to no warning before they become trapped.
Tragic events like this highlight several safety concerns that demand consistent attention:
- Trench Safety Protocols: Employers must follow federal OSHA standards when digging trenches deeper than five feet. These include sloping, shoring, or shielding techniques to prevent collapses. When protocols are ignored, workers’ lives are placed at risk.
- Emergency Response Preparedness: Construction sites should have a clearly defined plan for emergencies. Immediate access to life-saving equipment and quick emergency calls can make the difference between life and death.
- Protective Equipment Requirements: Workers should always be equipped with proper safety gear when entering dangerous areas. From hard hats to harnesses, ensuring these items are worn is key to reducing injuries.
- Regular Safety Inspections: Before work begins, trenches and other dangerous zones must be inspected daily. Conditions can change rapidly with weather or equipment use, and fresh inspections help catch hazards early.
- Training and Awareness: Comprehensive training for all site workers can help prevent accidents. Awareness of risks and proper procedures is essential for safety.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries at a construction site or workplace, reach out to our dedicated personal injury attorneys. It’s crucial to have legal support as soon as possible following an incident. Investigations can move quickly, and evidence must be preserved early. Calling an experienced attorney ensures that your rights are protected while you focus on healing.
Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
The McGuire Firm offers compassionate and experienced legal help to injury victims across East Texas. We’ve handled more than 3,000 cases and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us—ever. Our firm understands how overwhelming life becomes after a serious injury, which is why we’re here to help guide you through it. Whether it’s a construction accident, auto crash, or wrongful death case, we are here for you. We offer free consultations and would be honored to hear your story. Call The McGuire Firm today at (903) 630-7154 to get started.
