LA PLATA, Md. (Sept. 29, 2010)—The Charles County public works employee who fell approximately 22 feet into a manhole Tuesday morning is reported to be in good condition and is expected to be released from Prince George’s Hospital Center today.
On Tuesday morning at approximately 10:33 a.m., the Charles County 911 Operations Center received a report that Mr. Jim Bender, an equipment operator IV with the Charles County Government Public Works, had fallen into a manhole located at the Charles County Pump Station 2A, at 2981 St. Charles Parkway in Waldorf.
Charles County’s HAZMAT Team, Special Unit 9 Hazmat Team, and the Potomac Heights’ Confined Space Entry Rescue Team responded to the scene. At approximately 11:59 a.m., Mr. Bender was extracted from the manhole.
Mr. Bender, 55, was rescued and taken into an onsite decontamination area prior to being airlifted to Prince George’s Hospital Center by Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 2.