Construction Worker Airlifted After Serious Excavator Accident at Woodland Job Site
Woodland, WA — A construction worker was critically injured Tuesday morning, June 3, after a heavy machinery accident at a job site near the corner of Lewis River and Insel Roads, just east of the Woodland First Baptist Church. The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m., prompting a swift and extensive emergency response from Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue and Life Flight Network.
According to authorities, the worker was inside a 15-foot trench when the bucket of an excavator dislodged and fell on him. The force and weight of the machinery pinned the worker at the bottom of the trench, triggering a complex and time-sensitive rescue operation.
Sam Lewis, spokesperson for Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue, reported that first responders worked tirelessly for over an hour and a half to safely extract the worker from the narrow trench, navigating both the unstable environment and the weight of the equipment involved. The injured man was then airlifted via Life Flight helicopter to a trauma center. His current condition has not yet been made public.
The worker is employed by Rotschy, Inc., a Vancouver-based construction contractor. A representative for the company, Nick Massie, confirmed the incident and stated that the company is fully cooperating with ongoing investigations. “We are aware of the accident that occurred at one of our project sites this morning,” Massie said. “We are committed to the safety of our employees and are working closely with investigators to understand how this happened.”
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has launched a formal investigation into the incident and the company’s safety practices. An L&I spokesperson confirmed Tuesday afternoon that the agency is examining the circumstances surrounding the accident and whether proper safety protocols were followed on-site.
While the full details of what caused the excavator bucket to fall remain under investigation, Tuesday’s accident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers construction workers face daily—especially in confined spaces such as deep trenches, which present unique risks including collapse, limited maneuverability, and equipment malfunctions.
Residents and church members in the area expressed shock at the scene, with some reporting seeing emergency vehicles and a Life Flight helicopter hovering near the church grounds.
As the community awaits updates on the worker’s condition, thoughts and prayers are being extended to the injured man and his loved ones. Occupational safety advocates are urging construction firms statewide to revisit trench safety guidelines and equipment inspection protocols to prevent future tragedies.
Further information, including the worker’s identity and medical status, is expected to be released in the coming days pending family notification and the outcome of L&I’s ongoing review.