CHARLOTTE, N.C.
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Emergency crews rescued a construction worker Thursday who was trapped below ground, chest-high in mud.
The man was working to repair a water leak under Thornbush Court when a trench caved in on him. The dirt fell in, turning to mud once it mixed with the water. The hole filled up to the mans chest, sucking him in.
Paramedics and firefighters were called to the site, which is off McKee Road near Interstate 485 in south Charlotte, around 12:20 p.m.
Dozens of firefighters worked against the clock to save the man. They gave the man oxygen while stabilizing the hole so that they could pull him out without causing further collapse.
I got down and said my prayers, witness Anita Dowker said. I was praying for him and I had confidence."
When rescuers pulled the man to safety, the people watching broke out in applause.
It has a good ending and that's what I'm happy for, Dowker said. I'm glad it has a good ending."
Paramedics were standing by during the rescue and airlifted the man to Carolinas Medical Center-Main for treatment.
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