A toddler was rescued Sunday afternoon after getting stuck underground in a PVC pipe, officials said.
Emergency responders in Moundridge, Kansas, “acted swiftly and worked diligently for approximately 15-20 minutes to safely recover the child,” the Moundridge Police Department said in a press release.
The 14-month-old boy was “understandably shaken,” but was not injured in the incident, police said.
Moundridge, Kansas Police Department body camera footage shows the rescue of a 14-month-old boy from a PVC pipe, July, 28, 2024.
Moundridge Police Department
The boy fell into the sump pump drain while playing outside, according to Wichita, Kansas, ABC affiliate KAKE.
“Kids are always a concern, especially small kids,” Moundridge EMS Director Brian Falco told KAKE. “He doesn’t communicate. He doesn’t follow instructions. It’s not like an adult.”
The pipe was about 1 foot in diameter and about 10 to 12 feet deep, police said.
Police specifically commended one officer, identified as Officer Ronnie Wagner, who they said “constructed a makeshift ‘catch pole’ using a smaller PVC pipe and rope.”
Moundridge, Kansas Police Department body camera footage shows the rescue of a 14-month-old boy from a PVC pipe, July, 28, 2024.
Moundridge Police Department
“This creative solution was instrumental in lifting the child safely from the pipe,” police said.
Police thanked first responders for their work in rescuing the toddler.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to all the first responders for their swift and effective action, which transformed a dangerous situation into a successful rescue,” police said.
ABC News’ Alex Faul contributed to this report.
A harrowing rescue operation in Kansas has ended in success, with a toddler being saved after falling into a PVC pipe. The incident occurred in a rural area of the state, where the young child was playing near a construction site when he accidentally slipped and fell into the pipe.
Emergency services were called to the scene immediately, and a team of first responders worked tirelessly to rescue the toddler from the narrow confines of the pipe. The operation was fraught with challenges, as the pipe was deep underground and difficult to access.
Rescue workers used specialized equipment and techniques to carefully extract the child from the pipe, ensuring that he was unharmed during the process. After several hours of intense effort, the toddler was finally brought to safety and reunited with his family.
The successful rescue operation was a testament to the skill and dedication of the emergency services personnel involved. Their quick thinking and teamwork were instrumental in saving the child’s life and preventing a potentially tragic outcome.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions, especially when children are playing near construction sites or other potentially hazardous areas. It also highlights the critical role that first responders play in our communities, risking their own lives to save others in times of crisis.
The toddler is now safe and sound, thanks to the heroic efforts of those who came to his rescue. The community is grateful for the swift and effective response of the emergency services, and relieved that this story has a happy ending.
