Man pushed through city sewage pipes for a mile

AN AMERICAN maintenance worker who descended into a city sewage system became unhooked from his safety line and was pushed through a 27-inch-wide pipe for more than a mile before his calls for help were heard and he was rescued.

Daniel Collins, of Collins, Missouri, remains in a critical condition at Saint Luke's Hospital in Kansas City.

South Metropolitan Fire District Chief Randy Adams said Mr Collins was being treated for hypothermia and had been given antibiotics because he may have swallowed sewage.

Mr Collins disappeared shortly after 8am on Tuesday after descending into the sewage system in the town of Raymore. Mr Adams said crews frantically searched manholes along a 1.5-mile route near a golf course.

After about 90 minutes, firefighter and paramedic Antonio Smith heard Collins calling out: "Guys, I'm down here. Can you help me?"

Mr Smith was lowered into the sewer chamber and found Collins about 12 feet down.

The maintenance worker appeared to have some bruises but was able to speak, Mr Smith said.

"It was a miracle to find him in that condition," he added.

He explained that he then put Mr Collins over his shoulder, and crews above helped lift him out.

Firefighters covered Mr Collins with coats in an attempt to warm him while they were waiting for an air ambulance to arrive.

Mr Adams said Mr Collins "was not totally coherent. He was basically in and out (of consciousness], and he was very weak."

Mr Collins was tethered when he descended into the sewer and was still wearing the harness when he was found.

It was unclear how he became unhooked, which allowed him to be pushed through the pipe by rushing water.

Raymore officials said Mr Collins' employer, Rosetta Construction of Springfield, was working on the city's sewer system.