A construction worker has died after being buried alive when a utility trench collapsed at a subdivision in the Houston suburbs.

The worker, whose name has not been released, was working on the drainage at a development in Conroe, Texas, when it caved in Saturday morning.

He and a colleague became trapped after being buried by dirt that had fallen into the trench, the Conroe Fire Department said in a press release. 

Crews worked for more than an hour to rescue the workers, deploying specialized equipment to pull them from the dirt.

One worker was extricated from the trench just before 1pm and transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

The second worker was recovered about 15 minutes later, but did not survive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the operation, a third construction worker at the scene suffered a medical emergency. He was treated by paramedics on site and released.

Conroe Police Chief Jon Buckholtz has issued his condolences to the deceased worker's family and vowed to carry out a 'thorough investigation' into the incident.

Firefighters were dispatched to the construction site at 11.55am for reports of two workers trapped in a trench.

Crews arrived on scene by 12.02pm but due to difficult terrain faced challenges reaching the ditch, which was situated about 1,000 feet from the main road.

When rescuers finally reached the site, they determined two victims had been buried under the dirt. 

'The construction workers on site were determined to dig their co-workers out and were successful in digging one co-worker out alive,' Conroe Police Sgt. Sergio Jasso told the Houston Chronicle. 

'Unfortunately, when the other co-worker was dug out, he was deceased.' 

Multiple agencies were called to assist including Montgomery County Emergency Service Districts 9 and 1, The Woodlands Fire Department and the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management. 

The incident remains under investigation by the Conroe Police Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified.

Chief Buckholtz said the department will release more details as they become available.

OSHA's investigation will examine whether there was proper work equipment in the trench when the collapse happened. 

Officials have not identified anyone involved in the tragedy, which occurred on the construction site for the Marygold Homes development on Loop 336.

The Marygold Homes project will see condos built across 19 acres on the eastern portion of Loop 336.

Artemis One Development, the company that owns Marygold Homes, describes the community as a place where residents will be able to enjoy a 'hassle-free lifestyle.'

'From the moment you step into the Marygold Homes community, you'll know you're right where you belong,' the firm wrote on its website.

'Whether you want to relax, stay active, or socialize, we have it covered. Enjoy stunning landscaping, take a dip in the sparkling pool, and make the most of the exceptional amenities.' 

It was not immediately clear which construction company Artemis has hired to complete the build. The Daily Mail has approached the development firm for comment.