ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. --
South Fire Metro Rescue teams worked for hours to free a man trapped in a 12-foot-deep trench while trying to fix a broken sewer line in Arapahoe County.
The call for help came in around 8:20 p.m. near Broncos Parkway and Jordan Road.
"The gentleman was in the hole inspecting the pipe and it was right next to the steps and a huge clump of clay fell from under the steps into the hole and pinned his legs. So, he was pinned, his legs were pinned." said Andy Lyon, South Metro Fire Rescue spokesman.
A paramedic went into the trench to give the man oxygen and hook him up to an I.V., while firefighters worked to shore up the sides of the trench so it would not collapse on the man or rescuers.
The rest of the rescue involved breaking up the clay.
"It wasn't like loose soil that we could spoon out of there. It was very solid, very heavy and he was pinned solid," said Lyon. "When we finally got him out he did try to stand up, his legs had been pinned for hours, he couldn't stand on his own."
A medical helicopter was standing by to rush him to the hospital.
His name was not being released. Authorities could not provide information about his condition.
"He was conscious and talking and trying to assist us in his own rescue throughout. So, that is a good sign," Lyon said.
Report a typo or inaccuracyIf you have a news tip or a follow-up to this story, e-mail us.Copyright 2011 by TheDenverChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, r
