A construction worker was pinned under a slab of concrete at the bottom of a narrow trench in Winnipeg last week and was freed by firefighters with the help of bystanders.
WINNIPEG
A construction worker was pinned under a slab of concrete at the bottom of a narrow trench in Winnipeg last week and was freed by firefighters with the help of bystanders.
The man was digging a trench about half a metre wide and three metres deep, in order to repair the foundation of a 105-year-old house in St. Boniface.
A long, narrow piece of concrete broke off and fell on his back as he crouched in the hole. A neighbour, who lives across the street, heard the cries of the man and his co-worker.
He ran out to join three other people, who had tied a rope around the concrete slab. Another man was walking by and was called over to help.
The dramatic rescue involved the use of the rope to pull up the 700 pound slab to prevent it from crushing him.
The man, who was having trouble breathing, begged the rescuers for help.
The five men used all their strength to hoist the slab off the man an inch at a time. The men held the rope to keep the block off the man, until emergency crews arrived and took over.
Firefighters used a jack to lift the slab and tied a second rope around it, while the men held on. The firefighters lifted the slab high enough so the man, who was holding a pickaxe, could crawl to safety. Two firefighters pulled him from the trench. The man, who was about 40 years old, worked for Fox Contracting.
He suffered a cut to his back and some bruises, but was conscious and in stable condition when he was taken to the Health Sciences Centre.
Manitoba Labour is investigating, but refused to comment.
JOC New Service
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