Brazilian Boy Survives More Than 40 Hours Trapped in Well

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -- Firefighters on Wednesday rescued a 9-year-old boy who was trapped in a well for more than 40 hours, authorities said.

The boy, who was not identified by police, was found in good condition inside a 12-meter-deep (40-foot-deep) well near a highway in the coastal city of Cubatao, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southeast of Sao Paulo, firefighter Rogerio Nogueira said.

The boy said he was pushed into the well by an older friend, but police said they were still investigating what caused the fall.

Highway maintenance workers discovered the boy at about 9 a.m. after hearing his cries for help, police said. He had been missing since about 5 p.m. Monday, when witness saw him playing near the well.

Firefighters had to rappel down the well to make the rescue, police said. The boy was dehydrated, but suffered only minor bruises to his feet and head.