Bewildered man fell through his garden patio and became trapped in 40ft well
A 76-year-old man had to be rescued after he fell through a garden patio and became trapped in a well.
A video shows the man looking bewildered as he was stuck around two metres (6ft 7ins) down the hole after his unexpected fall.
The unnamed victim fell through the patio slabs and became wedged underground.
Although he suffered minor cuts and bruises, he was lucky not to fall a further 40 feet down the well.
Firefighters – who are specially trained in using ropes – then rescued him using a specially-made hoist, using ropes to lift him free.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service revealed he was “fortunate not to slide down the slope where he could have dropped approximately 12 metres (39ft 4ins) further into the well”.
The dramatic incident unfolded in the back garden of a home in Bordon, Hants, around 6pm on Tuesday.
During the rescue, firefighters can be heard saying “slide his bum across” as they get him out of the well.
The fire service said: “Over time, water had caused part of the well to erode, creating a void underneath a garden patio in the back garden of a property.
“The 76-year-old casualty fell through the patio, dropping two metres onto a slope, suffering minor cuts and bruises.
“He was fortunate not to slide down the slope where he could have dropped approximately 12 metres further into the well.
“Crews were mobilised to the address at 6pm, along with specialist technical rescue teams from Eastleigh.”
Rope specialist firefighters as well as specialist paramedics and Urban Search and Rescue officers helped free the man who has not been named.
Station Manager Si Forster said: “Working closely with our emergency services partners in SCAS [South Central Ambulance Service] we were able to swiftly formulate a plan to reach and rescue the casualty, preventing him from suffering any further harm.
“I want to praise our crews who all played a key role in ensuring a positive outcome to this incident with a quick and efficient response.
“Our dedicated rope teams train everyday for incidents like this, and the skill and professionalism they displayed today was phenomenal.”