A worker was rescued Thursday morning after becoming trapped in water-saturated soil that behaved much like quicksand while working near a sewer line area in Plum Grove.
According to Plum Grove Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brandon Frazier, at approximately 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 18, the Plum Grove Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the 800 block of CR 5006 for a reported rescue involving a worker who had become trapped and was unable to free himself. Due to the possibility of a technical rescue, additional resources from Montgomery County were requested to assist.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that a USIC worker had been performing his duties in what appeared to be a solid grassy area near a ditch line when his left leg suddenly broke through the surface and sank into the ground. The worker said his leg was trapped by powerful suction and that each attempt to pull free caused him to sink deeper and become more firmly stuck.
Fire officials believe an underground water leak or other subsurface erosion may have created a hidden void beneath the surface, leaving the ground saturated and unstable. The worker reported significant pressure on his trapped leg.
Firefighters established a stable platform near the worker and began rescue operations. However, the waterlogged soil continually collapsed into the excavation area, making it difficult to create enough space around the trapped leg for a safe extrication. A small excavator available locally was identified and brought to the scene to assist.
The excavator was used to carefully trench the area, allowing saturated clay and soil to be removed in a controlled manner while firefighters continued efforts to free the worker’s leg and support his upper body.
The worker’s leg was ultimately freed. Personnel from the Porter Fire Department assisted with removing him from the unstable area and performing decontamination procedures.
Acadian EMS evaluated the worker at the scene. He reported mild soreness and weakness in the affected leg but did not appear to have suffered serious injuries. scene. He reported mild soreness and weakness in the affected leg but did not appear to have suffered serious injuries.