Mobile, AL (August 12, 2025) – A tragic workplace incident unfolded Monday near Princeton Woods Drive East, off Howells Ferry Road in Mobile, where two contractors lost their lives and a third was hospitalized during a sewer project. According to Mobile Fire-Rescue officials, the workers were part of a contracted crew hired by the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS).
The crew, employed by Construction Labor Services, had been working in a wooded area to install an 18-inch sewer bypass line—a task that required temporarily plugging a section of the existing pipe. The work was part of a larger $2.3 million infrastructure project near Eight Mile Creek that began in December, MAWSS spokesperson Monica Allen confirmed.
Interim Fire-Rescue Chief Barry Glisson stated that the incident turned fatal after one of the workers fell approximately 20 feet into a ditch. A second worker entered the space in an attempt to rescue him but also failed to re-emerge. A third worker followed and became disoriented while inside the confined space.
“He was crawling out of the hole as we arrived,” Glisson explained. The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department’s Technical Rescue Team, equipped with specialized confined-space rescue gear, was quickly deployed. Despite extensive efforts and the use of advanced equipment and rope systems, both trapped workers were pronounced dead after being pulled from the ditch and transported to the hospital.
The third worker was taken to a nearby hospital, though his condition has not been made public.
Sewer Gas Exposure Suspected in Deadly Workplace Incident
Although the official cause of death has not been confirmed, fire-rescue spokesman Steven Millhouse indicated that signs pointed to exposure to dangerous gases, likely hydrogen sulfide—commonly known as “sewer gas.” He noted that the symptoms of disorientation and unconsciousness among the workers were consistent with gas exposure, possibly methane or hydrogen sulfide.
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, highly toxic gas frequently present in sewer systems. MAWSS’s Monica Allen confirmed its known presence in such environments but said it remains unclear if it directly caused Monday’s fatalities.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was on-site Monday and has launched an investigation into the accident. Meanwhile, a crew from Spire Inc. conducted atmospheric testing after the incident and reported no gas was detected at that time. Out of caution, rescue teams used self-contained breathing apparatuses during the operation.
Chief Glisson described the response as a “low-frequency, high-risk event,” handled by Mobile’s Technical Rescue Team—highly trained specialists with confined-space certifications. “They did a very good job,” he said. “It took a lot of training that paid off.”
Community Shaken by Tragedy
The incident brought a massive emergency response to the normally quiet neighborhood, startling local residents.
“I just seen fire trucks and police coming through, and we were just wondering what was going on,” said Herman Towner, a nearby visitor. “Children were going to school, and neighbors were saying they had to go around to get back in. Nobody knew what was going on.”
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers sewer and utility workers face daily—especially those operating in confined spaces where air quality can change rapidly. Investigations into safety protocols and atmospheric monitoring procedures will likely follow as federal and local authorities seek answers.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and coworkers of the two men who lost their lives, and we wish the third worker a full and speedy recovery.
