Emergency teams raced to rescue a construction worker trapped after a bank collapse at a building site in Ballito this morning.

Just before 11am, paramedics and search and rescue workers rushed to the site on David Place following reports of a collapse. On arrival, they found a labourer trapped from the waist down beneath soil from the collapsed bank.

The worker, believed to be in his mid-30s, remained trapped for more than an hour as emergency personnel carefully worked to stabilise the embankment before attempting to free him.

Neighbouring site manager Ivan Kisten, who oversees construction at the adjacent property on David Place, raised the alarm after he and his workers heard the collapse and saw workers from the site trying desperately to dig out the trapped man.

Kisten said his team, working from the unaffected site, assisted in the rescue efforts before emergency services arrived.

“We provided support and essential equipment while ensuring maximum safety procedures were adhered to at all times,” he said.

“This incident highlights the importance of a quick and coordinated response to critical situations.”

The trapped worker was visibly shaken and suffering from shock when rescuers reached him. He was rehydrated on scene as teams carefully dug him free.

The full extent of his injuries has not yet been confirmed; however, it is believed he suffered an arm injury as well as a possible leg fracture.

IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Samantha Meyrick said the patient was stabilised before being transported to a hospital in Durban for further treatment.

@northcoastcourierA Ballito construction worker was freed by emergency responders after being trapped beneath a collapsed bank on David Place earlier today. The man was stuck for over an hour as teams worked to dig him out. He was dehydrated and visibly shaken, but was stable after being treated by paramedics on scene. He has been transported to hospital for further care. Authorities will investigate the cause of the incident. #LocalNews #NorthCoastCourier #ConstructionCollapse♬ original sound – northcoastcourier

The cause of the collapse will be investigated by the authorities.