Man Trapped in Trench Rescued by Firefighters, Liberty, MO, Water Crew
Teamwork involving firefighters and a city work crew made the difference for a man trapped in trench.
A collapsed foundation wall trapped the man in the confined space about a two feet wide and eight feet long, according to KCTV.
Liberty city water workers operated a hydro excavator to gingerly remove the dirt around the victim.
“We couldn’t tell where his arms and legs were. Never had done anything like that before. I was really nervous at the time.” explained Ross Bartrom, the city water superintendent who directed the crew.
The rescue operation took four hours.
“Obviously you don’t want to make a situation worse. You don’t want to create secondary collapses. You don’t wanna shift the ground.” KCFD Battalion Chief Riley Nolan said, explaining why rescue technicians took their time.
Bartom said he was proud to be part of the team.
I just remember cheering. I just cheered as soon as it happened. I was just so happy to see him out safely."
About the Author
Susan NicolSusan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.