Worker Hears Scream, Then Sees Woman Trapped 20 Feet Below in Sewer Well

Authorities rescued a woman who fell at least 20 feet into a sewer well in Kentucky.

The incident occurred on the morning of Thursday, June 5, when emergency crews responded to Cox Avenue following a report of a person trapped in a well, according to the Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS.

Upon arrival, crews were met by a sanitation worker who had earlier dialed 911 and confirmed a person was trapped. 

“After assessing the scene and confirming that the victim was conscious and alert, Rescue 33 and supporting units conducted a confined space rescue operation,” Anchorage Fire and EMS said. 

The Metropolitan Sewer District worker fell 20 to 25 feet into the well while doing preventative maintenance in a sewer pumping station, officials said.

As seen in a video shared by Anchorage Fire & EMS on Facebook, crews established a “pick-off” rescue system using a tri-pod device. A rescuer descended into the well to reach the woman and put her in a harness. Both were safely pulled up 25 minutes later, authorities said. 

“The victim was treated at the scene by AMFEMS Medic Units and later transported to University of Louisville Hospital for observation as she appeared physically unharmed,” Anchorage Middleton Fire and EMS added. 

“After a while, I heard a sound, and I couldn’t tell where it was coming from because there were, like, bushes around this well,” Keith Ware, the sanitation worker, told CBS affiliate WLKY. “So I heard someone yell out, help! Again! And I went through the bushes and looked down this well, and I saw her.”

“She was responsive,” Ware added. ”She was very excited to see me. So I got on my phone, called my dispatcher, let her know where I was, and, you know, then she sent the EMS, fire department, everybody.”

In addition to the emergency crews, authorities thanked the sanitation worker for alerting them. 

“His actions no doubt contributed to a successful outcome,” the department said.