Cemetery Worker, 47, Rescued After Falling Into N.J. Grave When Piece of Wood ‘Gave Way'

Police said the 47-year-old fell about 6 feet into an open grave while working at the Holy Cross Cemetery on Tuesday

A man has been rescued after falling into a grave while working at a New Jersey cemetery, according to local officials.

The 47-year-old cemetery worker was working at the Holy Cross Cemetery on Tuesday “when a piece of wood gave way and he fell” about 6 feet into an open grave, according to a news release from the South Brunswick Police Department.

Crews from multiple agencies — including the SBPD, South Brunswick EMS, Monmouth Junction Fire Department, and Monroe Fire Department — arrived at the scene just before 1 p.m. local time.

The Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad also deployed a special trench rescue team to help save the cemetery worker, the SBPD said.

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The squad's chief, Matthew Stiff, said “it took time” to make sure the rescue went according to plan.

Trench panels and ground pads were used “to stabilize the area in and around the pit” before they hoisted the man out, he added. About an hour and 15 minutes later, the man was pulled from the pit, according to the SBPD.

He was then transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he is in stable condition.

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“It is always a team effort that makes the difference,” said South Brunswick Police Chief and OEM Coordinator Raymond Hayducka in the SBPD’s release.

The cemetery involved in Tuesday’s incident is part of the Diocese of Metuchen, according to News 12 New Jersey.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the diocese said the “unfortunate incident” was “due to an equipment malfunction.”

Related: New York Cemetery Worker Dies After Being Buried Alive When Grave Collapses on Him

“Upon learning of this accident, Bishop James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, has extended his heartfelt prayers for the man's well-being and full recovery and has expressed his gratitude to our first responders for their role in this successful rescue,” the spokesperson said.

The diocese did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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