Worker Buried After Minnetonka Trench Collapse Dies

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Authorities say one of two workers buried in soil after a trench collapse in Minnetonka on Monday has died.

According to Minnetonka fire officials, the collapse was reported at 10:01 a.m. at a construction site near 1900 Oakland Road. Upon arrival, police and fire responders learned two men were buried. One victim was buried up to his waist while the other victim was completely covered.

Both men were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, and one of them was pronounced dead.

The Hennepin County Medical Center identified the man Tuesday as 48-year-old Jimmy Scott Klous of Onamia. His cause and manner of death is still under further investigation.

An inspection report from the Minnesota Department of Labor Monday afternoon said "the employee was working in a location exposed to potential cave-in hazards of near vertical walls."