Police and firefighters were called to the 200 block of Berrywood Drive in Severna Park at 9:54 p.m. for the report of an industrial accident.

Lt. Frank Fennell, a county Fire Department spokesman said the victim was taken to Baltimore Washington Medical Center in cardiac arrest.

He said paramedics were "actively and aggressively" treating him on the way.

Lt. Tim Walker, from the county Police Department, said the man was digging to try to add service to a home when he slipped into the hole. A co-worker and a resident tried to help him, he added.

The man was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The incident is under investigation.

Last night, flashing lights disrupted the quiet neighborhood of Berrywood and some neighbors came out to see what was going on. They were given few details about what happened as investigators continued to peer into the hole with flashlights.

Neighbor Brad Dunn said crews had been working in the area all day and that to his knowledge, the accident didn't knock power out.

But the flashing lights drew him out of his home.

"I thought it was a fire, because they looked like fire engines," he said. "Something like this would get everyone's attention."

Police tape stretched from a contracting van from Riggs Distler and Co., around the hole and around a nearby bush.

Officers on the scene said they were waiting for officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to inspect the scene.