91视频

A construction worker sustained significant injuries after falling into a 35-foot-deep excavated hole in Northeast Portland late Monday morning.

Crews were working at a east of Northeast 82nd Avenue and Hancock Street when the incident occurred. Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters were able to extract the worker in fewer than 30 minutes by using an excavator that was already on site.

The victim appeared to be disoriented, but was conscious and talking when rescue crews arrived, according to PF&R. The worker was able to put on a harness vest without assistance, which saved substantial time because PF&R said stabilizing the hole before sending down someone to help would鈥檝e taken hours, KOIN 6 reported.

The victim, whose identity and employer鈥檚 identity could not be confirmed by BES, was sent to a hospital for evaluation.

鈥淎t this point our investigation is continuing; we are taking a close look at this with an eye on preventing future incidents,鈥� said Diane Dulken, public information officer for BES.

BES is working to remove 22 aging sumps (concrete, cylindrical maintenance holes) under streets and replace them with 17 new sumps and 10 new sedimentation manholes to help control stormwater runoff and sewer backups. The project near Northeast 82nd Avenue involved installation of a new sump.