On September 25th 17 Indianapolis Fire Department Units were dispatched including the IFD Collapse Rescue Team at 10:52 AM to 2228 W Washington St.
First Unit on scene was IFD EG18 at 10:55 AM
IFD Engine 18 confirmed 1 adult male, Gabriel Padgett, was trapped in a trench about shoulder height at 10:55AM. The trench hole was reported to be about 4 ft wide, with the victim 9 feet below grade.
Workers from Gradex told IFD the man had been trapped about 10 minutes prior to IFD arrival. They activated 911 within minutes of the incident occurring which was a vital factor in this successful rescue without injury. Gradex employees told IFD that a void space in the ground gave way, as they were removing a shoring panel, to move it to its next location. Mr. Padgett happened to be standing on the space were the void underneath existed.
IFD Firefighters were able to easily communicate with the man who was alert and oriented and quickly established medical care for the duration.
The IFD Collapse Rescue Team arrived at 11:01 AM and established shoring efforts needed to remove Mr. Padgett from the trench. Removal of the dirt in its sandy, rocky and heavy state proved to be the biggest hurdle along with the continued need to adjust vacuum efforts as dirt was removed from the trench. The Gradex Vac Truck, and on scene workers were vital to the successful completion of this mission. IFD crews worked in partnership with the Gradex crews to monitor for safety and address removal needs. As Gabriel was able, he assisted rescuers with removing dirt from around his body. This was an all-hands-on deck mitigation.
At 1:36 PM, Mr. Padgett was freed and assisted up and out of the trench. He was transported to Eskenazi Hospital by IEMS Medic 18, checked for injuries and released.
Total extrication time was 2 hours and 47 minutes.
Incident Commander – IFD Battalion Chief Dave Richards
Operations: IFD Captain Eric Sutton
Command terminated at 1:50 PM
On Scene:
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD)
Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS)
Citizens Energy
(Gabriel Padgett, photos and videos were released with approval by him to be identified)
Link to Rescue Video: https://youtu.be/6Bw4OikHXzc
-Submitted by Indianapolis Fire Department
