COVINGTON, Ga. – A man was airlifted to a trauma center today after being completely buried when a ditch he was working in collapsed.

According to Newton County Public Information Officer Bryan Fazio, first responders were dispatched to Sunbelt Parkway just before noon after the collapse buried the man.  The first units on the scene worked to locate the victim. 

Fazio said once the victim was located crews started working to free him. Once his torso was exposed one group of firefighters began performing life saving measures while other firefighters continued working to completely dig him out. The victim was transported to a local hospital before being flown to a trauma center. His name and condition were not released.

According to Fazio, the victim was doing septic work repair in a ditch 10-15 feet deep. He was reportedly buried for an estimated 27 minutes.

Fazio said OSHA was notified about the incident. Newton County Fire Rescue, Covington Fire, Piedmont Newton EMS responded to the scene.