Calgary, AB,
20
June
2019
|
16:55
America/Denver

Calgary fire crews called to rescue child from storm drain in northwest

At approximately 2:00 on Thursday afternoon, a call was made to 9-1-1 reporting a child possibly trapped in a storm drain. The storm drain had been accessed by going down a manhole after the cover had been removed. A group of eight children had previously gone down into the storm drain, and some time after getting out, believed that one friend was still down there and possibly trapped. 

Calgary fire crews quickly arrived on scene and investigated. After speaking with several witnesses, the missing child was accounted for and located safe at home. Reports to emergency responders at the scene indicate that the group of children have been entering the storm drain system in that area with regular frequency throughout the week.

The Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Water Services want to remind citizens, especially parents, of the dangers of going in or near these types of City infrastructure.

Stormwater infrastructure is not intended for recreational use. The water in these confined spaces is constantly flowing with fluctuating water levels and can contain dangerous pollutants.

  • Parents should warn children to keep a safe distance from stormwater infrastructure, such as manhole covers and drainage outfalls.
  • When water rushes through this infrastructure and into a river or stream, it can be forceful enough to overpower or injure people.
  • These types of confined spaces, both stormwater and waste water collection systems, can contain H2S gases which have deadly consequences.

No injuries were reported as a result of this incident and we commend the child who called 9-1-1 to get help.  School officials have been made aware of this incident.

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