Race to the rescue of hole-trap worker

Emergency vehicles rush to the scene of the accident

TWO helicopters and a convoy of rescue vehicles raced to save a workman trapped in a 25-ft deep hole.

The dramatic incident happened at an isolated water treatment plant down a narrow country lane off Shaw Hall Bank Road, Greenfield, near the River Tame yesterday.

Emergency services were called at 2.20pm when the workman, employed by a contractor at the United Utilities facility, suffered a leg injury while he was working in an inspection shaft.

The rescue operation swung into action with a cavalcade of fire, the North West Ambulance Service and police racing to the scene near Saddleworth Rangers ground.

Fire crews from Oldham and Mossley attended, backed by special off-road vehicle from Bolton North and others with special equipment.

Meanwhile, two air ambulance helicopters were mobilised and landed at the scene prompting one officer to comment: “It was a very well co-ordinated rescue operation involving key elements of the emergency services.”
For a full version of this story read the Chronicle in print or via the digital iChron and eChron editions on mobile and laptop.