Dresden Incident: Young Man Falls Five Meters into Open Sewage Shaft

Dresden experienced a dramatic incident on Easter Sunday when a 22-year-old man fell into a five-meter deep sewage shaft in the city's downtown area, prompting a significant emergency response.

Shortly after 1 PM, emergency services received a call from the young man, who reported that he had fallen into a shaft at the intersection of Wilsdruffer Straße and Landhausstraße and required immediate assistance.

Upon arrival, rescue teams discovered an unsecured hole next to the sidewalk. The victim was located within the shaft, which was approximately one meter wide. Fire department spokesperson Michael Klahre reported that the individual was conscious but had sustained serious injuries.

The rescue operation involved three members of the height rescue team, specially trained to handle such situations. They were lowered into the narrow shaft to provide immediate medical assistance. While still in the shaft, the rescuers administered first aid and shielded the scene with a tarp to ensure privacy.

After the initial care, the team utilized a specialized rescue device and ladder to extract the man from the depths. He was subsequently transported to a hospital by emergency medical services.

The circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear. Police have indicated that the shaft was located near a construction site, and it is believed that a decayed wooden cover was supposed to secure the opening. Unfortunately, this cover failed under the weight of the young man.

Authorities are currently investigating the safety measures in place at the site. A police spokesperson stated that it is essential to evaluate the adequacy of the safety precautions at the location. Reports suggest that the shaft was covered with a wooden plank.

The rescue operation concluded after about 40 minutes, but forensic teams continued to gather evidence at the scene into the afternoon hours. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.