A contractor was safely removed from a city of Bradenton water tower after falling and sustaining an apparent leg injury while working inside the structure, officials said.
The incident happened earlier today at a water tower adjacent to Bradenton Fire Station 3 at 2901 59th Street West.
Three maintenance workers contracted by the city of Bradenton were performing their regular sandblasting routine inside the water tower when one of the workers fell and got stuck, officials said. There was no water inside the tower at the time of the accident.
Because of his location within the structure, firefighters had to use a high-angle technical rescue operation to get him out safely. When crews reached him, they found he appeared to have suffered a leg injury.
Bradenton Fire Department personnel, including firefighters who had been conducting technical rescue training exercises nearby, began the rescue operation. The contractor was safely extricated and taken for medical evaluation, officials said.
The rescue was completed in less than an hour.
“It’s somewhat of a shocker for us, but, like anywhere else, we trained for this,” Fire Chief Tim Geer said. “Crews arrived on scene and got right to work, assessing what was wrong, where the worker was located, and what they had to do to perform the rescue.”
Geer said the incident highlights the value of ongoing training and preparedness.
“Our crews train regularly for technical rescue situations, and today’s response demonstrated that readiness,” he said. “We’re grateful the incident resulted in a positive outcome and appreciate the assistance provided by our regional partners.”
The city said the contractor was wearing appropriate safety equipment at the time of the incident.
Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, East Manatee Fire Rescue, North River Fire District, West Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County EMS also assisted in the rescue.
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Source: Mysuncoast
