City of Columbia worker dies in trench collapse on job site

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - A City of Columbia employee died after being injured on a job site Friday.

Emergency crews were called to the scene on Pulaski Street near College Street in the Vista, near the construction site of a new student housing complex.

Richland County Corner Gary Watts said Marvis L. Myers, 31, was below ground level approximately 4 to 6 feet, working on pipe repairs when a cave-in occurred.

Co-workers began digging him out and called 911, the victim was transported by EMS to Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead around noon, Watts said.

"As a City of Columbia family, we deeply mourn the loss of one of our own. Today, we all worked together to support each other, while also handling all of the necessary steps required during this type of incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the employee's family members and we ask that the community, as a whole, keep us in their thoughts during this period of bereavement," City Manager Teresa Wilson said.

At the City Manager's request, all City of Columbia flags will be lowered to half-staff at all City facilities/buildings.

The incident is being investigated by OSHA.