Last Updated: Thursday, March 20, 2014, 10:02 PM
The accident happened at Big Bend Road and Waterset Blvd. in the Waterset subdivision in Hillsborough County. It is a new construction site for homes.
“(He’s) out of the hole and on the way to the hospital,” said Deputy Chief David Travis.
The construction worker was put on a stretcher, into an ambulance, and then put into a medical chopper headed to Tampa General Hospital.
"It was water and sand, basically just mud," said Deputy Travis.
The ground gave way around 3 p.m. on Thursday.
Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue crews worked frantically trying to save his life by securing him with a harness.
One of the biggest obstacles the crews faced was water, which flowed into the hole.
A specialized crew was brought in for the rescue.
"They do train for this,” said Deputy Travis. “We're hoping for the best outcome here and these are the guy's who can do it."
With the clock ticking against them, crews brought heavy equipment in to pump the mud and water out of the hole.
One of the man’s legs was freed around 5:30 p.m. before they were able to free his entire body.
"Yes, it was nice when he got out,” said Owen Scott. “He moved his legs and everything, so he was in good spirits.
"I'm glad he's out. He's probably got family and kids."
Two other construction workers were with the man at the time the ground gave way. They tried to rescue him themselves.
They were also taken to the hospital for evaluation.
At last check, officials told us the unidentified man in this case was in stable condition and that he was talking to rescue crews.
Contractors told Bay News 9 that the construction men were working on a pipeline for this new subdivision.
Officials said he was conscious and alert the whole time and was being treated while he was stuck in the hole
Credits: http://www.baynews9.com
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