Worker rescued after falling 9 feet down manhole

Beaumont - Beaumont firefighters have rescued a construction worker who fell into an open manhole and plunged about 9 feet, according to information the Beaumont Fire Department provided to KFDM News.

Investigators say the man suffered a broken leg.

A dispatcher says at about 8:30 a.m. Monday the man fell into an open manhole on Calder at 9th where he was working on the Calder Drainage Project.

Investigators say the worker removed a piece of plywood covering the manhole and fell into it when he was backing up.

Firefighters used special equipment to get into a larger opening and rescue the worker after 20-30 minutes.

They placed him on a backboard and pulled him to the street.

He was taken by ambulance to Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth.

The man was conscious and talking with rescuers.

Watch KFDM News at Noon, 5, 6 and 10 for more on the story.