MARYSVILLE — A 12-year-old child fell in a well behind the St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was saved by Marysville firefighters Tuesday in a rescue that lasted 30 minutes, according to the Marysville Fire District.
Around 12:30 p.m., the child was standing on top of a well behind the church during recess at 4200 88th St., according to the fire district.
The concrete lid covering the well partially collapsed and the child fell 20 feet, hitting his head along the way, fire district spokesperson Christie Veley said.
He managed to keep himself upright because he grabbed onto a plastic pipe, Veley said. The child reported being partially submerged in the water, saying his feet couldn’t touch the bottom of the well.
Arriving firefighters found the child conscious and talking, Veley said. They lowered a life vest and helmet for him to wear as they began their rescue operation.
Marysville firefighters respond to a 12-year-old boy who fell down a well Tuesday May 30, 2023 in Marysville, Washington. (Photo provided by Marysville Fire District)
Firefighters “worked delicately” to remove the rest of the concrete lid, as it continued to crumble, according to the fire district. Part of the lid collapsed again, but the child was unharmed because of his helmet, Veley said. Firefighters also monitored the air quality inside the well.
The rescue team lowered a harness into the well for the child to wear. The lid was eventually removed, and the child was able to climb to safety via a ladder that was lowered into the well.
“It was inspiring to see the quiet, effective, methodical work of each individual working towards the objective,” Marysville Fire Chief Ned Vander Pol said. “It was a clear visual display of competent professional firefighters doing the work for which they have trained.”
The child had been inside for around 30 minutes. He was hypothermic and taken to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, Veley said. He had cuts, but was believed to be OK, fire authorities said.
Jonathan Tall: 425-339-3486; jonathan.tall@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @EDHJonTall.
Maya Tizon: 425-339-3434; maya.tizon@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @mayatizon.
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