MANHATTAN – A Kansas man died in an accident on Friday evening in Manhattan.

The Riley County police reported in a media release that just before 7 p.m. on Friday they received an emergency call for service requesting a rescue.

A man was entrapped in dirt and mud near the intersection of Scenic Drive and Fossilridge in Manhattan following a trench collapse.

The victim William Albert Wiske, 30, Wamego, was a City of Manhattan employee who had been repairing a water main when the trench collapsed upon him. Effort to free him was immediate.

Upon arrival, the first rescue unit found that the victim was buried up to his waist in dirt and mud. Fire crews were able to free the victim in approximately 20 minutes and transferred care to Riley County EMS.

Wiske was transported to Mercy Regional where he died.

“We are deeply saddened about the loss of William Wiske, an employee of our Water Services Division”, said City Manager Ron Fehr.

“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to William’s family during this very difficult time.”