A Phoenix, Arizona, firefighter descended into a backyard sinkhole to rescue an injured man as a pickup truck hung partially inside the opening, complicating the emergency response.
Here's what to know
At about 3 p.m. Nov. 1, technical rescue crews were dispatched to a residence near 24th Street and Thomas Road, according to FOX 10 Phoenix, which cited information from the Phoenix Fire Department.
A chest injury left the man unable to climb out on his own after a fall of roughly six feet.
The department later shared a video of the rescue on Facebook, where commenters praised the team.
"Give the firefighters a raise!" wrote one user. Another said, "Incredible work by the Technical Rescue Team. Thank you for the training and dedication that keeps Phoenix safe!"
The Phoenix Fire Department said the cause of the sinkhole was unknown.
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A rescue technician descended into the opening and brought the man out after firefighters had secured the pickup to prevent it from falling deeper.
FOX 10 Phoenix reported that the man was in stable condition when he was taken to a nearby hospital.
The backyard rescue ended with no reported injuries to firefighters.
Where can I learn more?
These stories explore backyard wells, vehicles swallowed by sinkholes, underground repairs, and dam safety concerns.
• In Houston, a homeowner flagged a backyard hole, but officials called the 16-foot well a 'private problem'.
• In Los Angeles, a water main rupture opened a sinkhole that swallowed a Spectrum van.
• In Massachusetts, two sinkholes exposed a buried 7-foot pipe, with repairs potentially taking weeks.
• In India, two people escaped after their car plunged into a sinkhole on a busy road.
• In Texas, sinkholes prompted a full risk review at a dam supplying half of Tyler's water.
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