A SEWAGE worker had to be rescued from an underground drain after becoming overcome by fumes. 

The man became trapped four-metres down the drain behind Iceland, Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole, while carrying out maintenance work to clear a blockage.

South West Ambulance Service paramedics attended the scene, along with Dorset Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) crews, including the technical rescue unit.

Initially it was feared the man may have suffered leg and back injuries, however co-workers told the Daily Echo at the scene that he was able to walk away from the incident after receiving on-the-spot treatment by paramedics.

 

A DFRS spokesman explained: “Crews used safe working height equipment to assist one casualty who was stuck approximately four meters down a drain up a ladder and into the care of paramedics.

“Firefighters also used gas monitoring equipment to check air quality.

“It is believed that the casualty had been overcome by fumes whilst unblocking a drain.

“The drain was located in a very restricted space between two buildings.”

The emergency services were called around 11.15am and the man was rescued at 11.40am.