Rescuers free construction worker trapped in trench at beachside La Jolla home

San Diego Fire-Rescue crews worked for hours Wednesday to free a construction worker who was trapped in a narrow trench at a home construction site in La Jolla, the agency said.

Crews were called at about 8 a.m. to a beachside construction site on El Paseo Grande where a worker was trapped, but conscious and alert, according to the SDFD.

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The worker was trapped under a concrete beam surrounded by dirt that collapsed around him burying him from the waist down, according to fire officials on site. SDFD said a technical team was working to carefully free the man. One crewmember told NBC 7 the process was extremely difficult because each movement made to free the worker meant movement elsewhere.

"This is probably the most technical and or serious rescues we will probably do all year so that gives you a level of understanding of where we are at right now," said SDFD Battalion Chief Erik Windsor.

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After five hours of rescue operations, using tools like a rescue tripod, a vacuum to remove the dirt, and even removing some of the existing framings, the worker was freed at about 1:30 p.m., video showed.

Windsor also said they had given the construction worker pain medication through an IV. They understand the worker is injured but did not know the extent of his injuries. The worker, identified as a 62-year-old man, was taken to a local hospital.

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SDFD told NBC 7 more than 40 firefighters were on site all working together to free the man.

“After all the training that we go through to make sure that we are proficient for these calls, all the coordination on the scene, it's very rewarding to save a life today. Making sure this gentleman can continue working and go home to his family. So, it’s rewarding to have a good outcome today," said SDFD Deputy Chief Brian Raines.

Cal/OSHA is investigating the incident.

This is a developing story. Check back for the latest updates.