Person Rescued From 10-Foot-Deep Trench in Penn Township

Fire crews successfully rescued a person trapped approximately 10 feet below ground during a trench emergency in Penn Township.

According to the Penn Township Fire Department, soil had trapped the individual from the knees down. Due to the depth and complexity of the rescue, the MABAS 201 Technical Rescue Team was activated to bring additional personnel, specialized equipment and technical rescue resources to the scene.

Crews worked to stabilize the area and safely free the individual. After a coordinated response, the person was removed and taken to the hospital for further evaluation and care.

Penn Township Fire Department thanked Clay Fire, South Bend Fire Department, Mishawaka Fire Department, Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory, Elkhart Firefighters Local 338, University of Notre Dame Fire Department and Bob Frame Plumbing Services for their assistance.

The department said technical rescues require specialized training, equipment and coordination among responding agencies.