News Summary
A tragic incident occurred at a school construction site in Owings Mills, where a construction worker was killed following a trench collapse. Luis Medrano, 50, was working on the Deer Park Elementary School renovation when water instability caused a partial collapse, leading to his entrapment. Emergency crews quickly rescued him, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a medical facility. This event raises serious safety concerns regarding excavation practices in the construction industry.
Construction Worker Killed in Trench Collapse at Owings Mills School Site
Owings Mills, MD — A construction worker lost his life after a trench collapse at a school construction site early Tuesday morning. The incident happened at the site of the new Deer Park Elementary School, currently under construction, in Owings Mills.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 8:25 a.m., Baltimore County fire officials responded to reports of a trench rescue operation on the 9800 block of Lyons Mill Road. Emergency crews arrived to find Luis Medrano, a 50-year-old construction worker, in the trench where the collapse had occurred.
According to reports, Medrano was actively digging a trench when unexpectedly, water began spraying into his work area. The water caused instability, leading to a partial collapse of the trench. During the event, a significant amount of dirt and debris fell, filling the trench and trapping Medrano. However, fire officials stated he was not trapped at the moment of their arrival, though he was found in critical condition.
Firefighters quickly extricated Medrano from the trench and transported him to a nearby medical facility. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at 8:39 a.m., less than fifteen minutes after he was rescued from the collapse.
About the Construction Project
The construction site is part of a major renovation effort to replace the original Deer Park Elementary School, which was built in 1970 and expanded with an addition in 2000. The new facility aims to provide a modern, safer learning environment with enhanced safety features designed for current educational needs.
The project also includes increasing student capacity from 431 to 710, addressing existing overcrowding issues. The new elementary school will feature state-of-the-art educational and safety facilities, with a focus on providing a secure environment for students and staff.
Investigation and Community Response
The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Division has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the trench collapse. Inspectors are examining safety procedures and the site conditions surrounding the accident.
In the wake of the incident, principal Renee Jenkins informed the community about the tragedy and conveyed condolences to Medrano’s family and loved ones. The construction site has been temporarily closed to the public while investigations take place.
Broader Context
This event marks the second trench collapse-related death in Maryland in 2025. Earlier in February, two workers died in a separate trench collapse incident in Catonsville. These tragedies highlight ongoing safety concerns related to trench work in construction projects across the state.
Summary
The loss of Luis Medrano underscores the dangers faced by construction workers, especially during excavation activities. It prompts renewed attention to safety protocols at construction sites, with authorities continuing to investigate the precise causes of this fatal collapse. The project at Deer Park Elementary School remains on hold as safety reviews proceed and the community mourns the loss of a dedicated worker.
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Additional Resources
- WBAL TV: Construction Site Death in Owings Mills
- Wikipedia: Construction Industry
- Baltimore Sun: Trench Collapse in Owings Mills
- CBS News: Maryland Trench Rescue Death
- Washington Post: Key Bridge Collapse Victims
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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