Tragedy has struck at JFK airport where two construction workers have fallen down a 30-foot trench and died.
The bodies of the deceased workers, who have not been identified yet, were recovered by firefighters.
The incident was reported at 12.21 pm local time (5.21pm BST) near Building 49 at the John F Kennedy International Airport in New York City, and police and firefighters quickly responded to the scene.
Specifically, the accident occurred at a construction site at the airport's generating plant, and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded with 12 units and 60 firefighters.
The situation quickly escalated, with firefighters reporting that the workers had fallen down a 30-foot trench and were buried.
One worker was reportedly visible, and rescuers worked tirelessly to free him from the trench.
However, the FDNY eventually reported that there were two "black tag" patients, indicating deceased victims.
Rescue operations were then changed to recovery, and firefighters confirmed that both victims had been removed from the trench.
At 12.47 pm local time (5.47 pm BST), the airport issued a statement warning travellers to expect roadway delays in the vicinity of Terminals 5 and 7 as emergency services responded to the incident.
No flights were impacted due to the incident, CBS reported.
JFK airport said in a post on Twitter: "Due to ongoing emergency activity, please expect roadway delays in vicinity of Terminals 5 and 7 at JFK Airport."
And later added: "Due to heavy traffic at Terminal 5, departing passengers are recommended access Terminal 5 via free AirTrain from Lefferts Blvd or Federal Circle Stations."
Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the incident sadly concluded with two fatalities.
The cause of the accident and the circumstances under which it occurred is currently under investigation.
The daunting efforts of the firefighters to rescue the two workers were captured in footage from the scene.
Clips showed dozens of workers and rescuers gathered above and around the trench in the construction site as the operation carried on.
Following the incident, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey issued a statement saying that a stop order for all construction at JFK has been issued, ABC reported.
The Port Authority said it is conducting a thorough investigation and will cooperate with all other investigative agencies.
Shortly after, JFK Airport, too, confirmed: "At approximately 11:08 a.m. today, PAPD received a report of two workers trapped under construction rubble at JFK International Airport.
"PAPD ESU, FDNY and EMS responded to the scene. Both workers have been confirmed dead.
"A stop order for all construction at JFK has been issued. The Port Authority is conducting a thorough investigation and will be cooperating with all other investigative agencies."
