Rescue crews pull worker out of drain

NORTH MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A Public Works employee is recovering in the hospital after falling into a sewage vault.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to 1815 NE 150th St., around 5:15 p.m. Thursday, where the 39-year-old man became trapped inside a sewage vault.

Authorities said the man was walking across the aging plywood covering the vault when it gave way. The man fell approximately 15 feet into the opening, which was partially filled with water and sewage. "Luckily he was conscious, and was able to talk to firefighters. However, he was severely injured," said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lieutenant Arnold Piedrahita.

The complexity of this type of rescue operation prompted fire commanders to request MDFR's Technical Rescue Team. Before paramedics could be lowered into the hole to assess the man's injuries, fire crews utilized special detection equipment and monitoring devices to assure that the vault was clear of any hazardous gases.

The victim's sister arrived on scene where police briefed her on her brother's condition. "The bone is out of the leg, on the left leg, and they're going to airlift him to Jackson Trauma," Dolores Brown said.

Crews stabilized the man and used a crane to lift him out of the hole. Once out of the hole, crews strapped the man, who was covered in sewage, onto a stretcher and hosed him down before transporting him. "Our mom is in South Carolina, and she keeps calling, so we're all worried. They're going to airlift him now to Jackson Trauma unit. I'm going to head over there," said Brown.

Doctors said the 39-year-old man suffered a compound-fracture to his leg but is expected to be OK.