In the summer of 2021, Ashley Piccirilli faced one of the most harrowing experiences anyone could imagine. While working on a construction site in Northampton, Massachusetts, she was buried alive when a trench collapsed. At just 32 years old, Piccirilli’s life would be forever changed after spending 30 agonizing minutes trapped beneath the dirt.
The incident occurred on a hot August day when Piccirilli, excited about her new role in construction, was working on laying sewer pipes. She was the only female on the job site, and despite the physical demands of the task, she was determined to prove herself. As she worked in a trench 9 to 13 feet deep, tragedy struck, and the trench collapsed, burying her completely under tons of dirt.
Ashley Piccirilli Buried Alive: The Moment of Impact
The moment the trench collapsed, everything went eerily silent. “I’ll never forget the sound of the dirt rushing over me,” Ashley recalls. “It felt like a tight hug that wouldn’t let go. It was uncomfortable, but I didn’t panic.” Despite the terrifying circumstances, Ashley remained calm, a mindset that she attributes to her military background and training.
Though she could barely breathe, Ashley held onto hope, knowing rescue was on the way. “I wasn’t thinking about dying. I just knew someone would come for me,” she says. Despite having broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and severe internal injuries, her calmness helped her survive. She took small, deliberate breaths, keeping herself conscious and alive until help arrived.
Ashley Piccirilli Buried Alive: Overcoming the Odds
The fight didn’t end when Ashley was freed from the dirt. In the trauma unit, doctors worked tirelessly to save her life. Dr. Kristina Kramer, the lead surgeon, and her team performed two surgeries to repair her broken ribs, injured liver, and torn vena cava. “She was in critical condition, but her determination was unmatched,” says Dr. Kramer.
Ashley’s recovery was long and arduous, lasting nearly a year. Through sheer willpower and a positive outlook, she defied the odds, ultimately regaining her strength. Now, as a U.S. Army warrant officer in the Massachusetts National Guard, Ashley’s story of survival and resilience continues to inspire others.
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Source: www.people.com
