In Illinois, a maintenance worker faced an unusual predicament: he found himself trapped inside a towering 130-foot gas station sign for several hours after his lift failed.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday morning as the worker performed routine maintenance on the sign located near Interstate 55. Unfortunately, his lift malfunctioned mid-task, leaving him stranded high above ground, according to Wilmington Fire officials, as reported by WFLX.
Witnesses noted the worker appeared unfazed by the situation. He was seen inside the impressive 130-foot structure, without any interior ladder, calmly waiting for assistance and even managed a cheerful ‘thumbs up’ to onlookers.
Compounding the challenge, fire officials reported that their available equipment was insufficient, as their ladders could reach only 100 feet, falling short of the rescue requirements.
The situation demanded resourcefulness. Authorities managed to source a specialized lift from a job site in Joliet. With the assistance of the Illinois State Police, the oversized lift was escorted 17 miles to the site in Wilmington, facilitating the worker’s safe rescue, according to the report.
About five hours later, just before 4.p.m. first responders were able to retrieve the worker and bring him back to the ground.
“Fire officials say he refused medical treatment and is expected to be OK,” according to the report.