Downers Grove storm sewer rescue becomes recovery mission; 1 worker still missing

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. - Two contractor workers became trapped in a storm sewer beneath a Downers Grove street as severe weather moved through the Chicago area Monday afternoon, authorities said.

One worker was rescued and is hospitalized in good condition, but a second worker remains missing after officials suspended active rescue efforts because of dangerous conditions inside the sewer.

Rescue mission turned recovery mission

The backstory:

Downers Grove police said officers were flagged down at about 12:50 p.m. by workers at a storm sewer construction site in the 800 block of Curtiss Street.

Workers told officers that two contractors were trapped in a storm sewer beneath the street.

The Downers Grove Fire Department responded and launched a technical rescue operation.

One worker was rescued about 200 feet from the original point of entry and transported to Endeavor Health Good Samaritan Hospital, where the worker is reported to be in good condition, police said.

The second worker remains missing. Fire officials said the operation has transitioned from a rescue mission to a recovery mission because current water conditions inside the storm sewer make search efforts too dangerous.

What's next:

Officials said the search will resume once conditions inside the storm sewer improve.

The systems drain water from entire neighborhoods, so runoff from surrounding streets continues flowing into the pipes long after a storm has passed. It can take several hours — and sometimes an entire day — for water levels to naturally recede to a safe level.

Rescue crews also must check air monitoring systems and wait until any potentially toxic gases trapped inside have cleared before entering.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 60 people died in confined spaces such as sewers, manholes and storm drains nationwide between 2011 and 2018.

Downers GroveNews