‘Uncommon’ and ‘intensive.’ Stamford fire chief discusses rescue of construction worker from empty water tank
The 911 call came in just before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, sending crews to 375 Fairfield Ave., the site of a warehouse that’s being built. A worker underground had fallen into an empty water tank and was in pitch black about 15 feet down, according to Stamford's fire chief.
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Stamford firefighters saved an injured construction worker stuck in an empty water tank Tuesday, but the successful effort was anything but routine.
“It was a confined space rescue,” explained Stamford Fire Chief Rex Morris, who called the operation relatively complex. “They're not very common, and they're very intensive in terms of tools and equipment.”
The 911 call came in just before 1:30 p.m. sending crews to 375 Fairfield Ave., the site of a warehouse that’s being built. A worker underground had fallen into an empty water tank and was in pitch black about 15 feet down from where firefighters could access him, according to Morris.
Morris said crews’ first priority was making sure the space had enough oxygen and no dangerous chemicals.
“They metered the spot, and they determined it to be safe for entry,” Morris told News 12. “Just getting down to get to him was a chore in itself. We got rescuers down there, secured him, packaged him, got him in a lifting device, then set up a ropes system to bring him up.”
Morris said the worker was conscious and alert with a likely orthopedic issue from falling several feet. He went to the hospital for treatment, but Morris didn't have an update on his injuries.
“Very proud of the job the fire department did at this call as well as Stamford EMS, working with us hand in hand all the time,” Morris said.
Morris estimated the rescue took less than 30 minutes and said even though it was an uncommon call, crews were successful because of their training.
“It was handled just like they do them every day,” said Morris. “They did an outstanding job.”
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was called to the scene and is investigating the incident.
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Man rescued from empty water tank at Stamford construction site
