An incredible story unfolded as emergency services rescued a man from a stormwater drain at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane, after he had been trapped for approximately 36 hours. Reports from multiple sources indicated that the 38-year-old man, who was finally helped out of the drain by firefighters around 11am, had been involved in a perplexing sequence of events that drew the attention of Queensland police.
Prior to his entrapment, Queensland police allege that the man was a passenger in a vehicle involved in two separate car accidents early on Sunday morning. According to police statements, a Ford Falcon was followed by a patrol on Anderson Street, Kangaroo Point, when it reversed and collided with the police vehicle, causing significant damage. The Falcon fled the scene and was involved in a second accident shortly thereafter. Occupants then reportedly fled on foot.
The rescue itself seemed almost anti-climactic compared to the backstory. Firefighters merely lifted the lid on the drain to allow the man to climb out. He was transported to the Mater Hospital in a stable condition, with injuries consistent with abrasions and exposure to the cold weather.
Reports indicate that the man was initially offered assistance over the weekend but declined it, only to later seek help on Monday. According to James Lingwood, who alerted authorities to the situation, he first encountered the man on Sunday after hearing what he described as yelling.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services swiftly rescued the man in a mere five minutes by lifting the drain lid, enabling him to exit. Lingwood described seeing the man inside the drain, standing knee-deep in water. Despite offering his assistance, the man refused, asserting that he could exit where he entered. Lingwood then left him be.
Acting Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski confirmed that an investigation into the incident had been initiated. Gollschewski, reflecting on human behavior, expressed amazement, stating that one never knows “what people will do sometimes and what happens” afterward.
Relevant articles:
– Australian man prolongs his own rescue to 36 hours in stormwater drain, after turning down help initially, then asked for help again.
– Man stuck in drain, rescued after 36 hours from ‘knee deep’ stormwaters in Australia’s Brisbane, WION, Tue, 26 Mar 2024 06:16:47 GMT
– Man freed after spending 36 hours trapped in drain in Australia, Evening Standard, Tue, 26 Mar 2024 08:34:59 GMT
– Man rescued from Brisbane stormwater drain assisting police with inquiries into dangerous driving incidents, ABC News, Mon, 25 Mar 2024 22:58:48 GMT