Hazardous Gas Detected as Man Dies in Faribault Sewer Manhole
FILE
Authorities say a man died Friday morning after being found unresponsive in a sewer in Faribault.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the 1900 block of Second Avenue NW at about 7:31 a.m. on September 13, 2024, after a report of a person down inside a manhole.
Firefighters and paramedics from multiple agencies responded to the scene to assist and rescue the man.
Firefighters detected dangerously high levels of hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide in the sewer, along with low oxygen levels. They entered the structure, provided oxygen to the individual, and began rescue operations. The man was extricated and transported by ambulance to a nearby helicopter but was pronounced dead.
An investigation into the incident is underway by the Faribault Fire and Police Departments, and the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified.
“This is a tragic event and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the individual,” said Faribault Fire Chief Dustin Dienst.
The man’s identity has not yet been released.
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