A 26-year-old construction worker sustained life-threatening injuries Tuesday afternoon following a trench collapse at a job site near Smith Street and Route 9W in Valley Cottage.

According to initial reports, the worker was standing inside a trench when both sides suddenly gave way, trapping him under a significant amount of dirt. Coworkers on scene immediately began rescue efforts and were able to remove him from the trench before emergency personnel arrived.

Clarkstown Police responded to the scene and assisted as the injured worker was transported by Congers EMS to a local hospital for treatment.

The incident remains under investigation.