Hanover Cemetery worker trapped in grave by 800-pound vault cover

EAST HANOVER — A cemetery worker became trapped in the grave he was digging by an 800-pound concrete vault cover that fell on top of him.

Peter Ferencze, 59, of Flemington, was treated for chest injuries and released from Moristown Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon, according to a spokesperson for Hanover Cemetery.

The vault cover "fell in" and pinned Ferencze at the bottom of the open grave Tuesday, about 10 a.m., the spokesperson said.

Police, firefighters, EMTs and department of public works employees rushed to the scene and shoveled the dirt from the top of the cover, then manually lifted the cover using straps. The cover was lifted high enough to free the victim, according to reports.

Ferencze was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital.

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The unnamed coworker, on the job for one day, was also transported to the hospital for evaluation, said Lt. Thomas McPartland.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified and will conduct an investigation, McPartland said. OSHA does not comment on open investigations.

No further information was available.

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.