Minneapolis fire crews began the extended rescue operation by bringing in a vacuum truck from the city’s Street Department to start removing the sand. Firefighters set up a tripod over the hole, attached a rope system to a body harness and secured the harness on the man. As the sand was suctioned out, crews simultaneously worked to stabilize the sides of the trench to prevent its further collapse.
After initial efforts proved difficult, mutual aid was requested from the Saint Paul Fire Department, with a rescue squad and additional equipment to the scene. Together, crews from both cities used plywood and metal shoring to reinforce the trench while continuing to free the man.
Throughout the rescue, Hennepin County medical personnel monitored the man’s condition and provided care inside the trench. Heat was pumped into the space to protect him from cold exposure.
After being trapped for nearly six hours, the man was pulled out around 3 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, and was seen walking on his own to a waiting ambulance. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation and no other injuries were reported.
