A devastating construction accident in Gampern, Upper Austria, claimed the lives of two workers on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident occurred as workers were laying pipes in a three-meter-deep trench when a sidewall collapsed, burying three individuals.

Despite the efforts of 55 firefighters, who dug through dense, wet soil with their hands and small tools, two men, including the 40-year-old company owner and a 60-year-old worker, died at the scene.

A third worker managed to escape but collapsed shortly after and was hospitalized.

During the rescue, another collapse buried a firefighter, who was later rescued with minor injuries.

The tragedy has left the local community in shock, with emergency teams receiving support to process the harrowing experience.