Daily Weird News Report
San Francisco firefighters dug through the contents of a garbage truck by hand to reach a man trapped inside, carrying out a rescue that authorities described as an unusual situation.
Crews were dispatched at about 4:11 a.m. after bystanders alerted the truck’s driver that they could hear screams coming from the vehicle, according to the San Francisco Fire Department. The driver stopped operating the truck after learning that someone was inside.
Rather than emptying the truck, responders manually removed the garbage and debris to reduce the risk of further injury. Video posted on social media showed firefighters working among piles of waste before lifting the man onto a stretcher.
The man was not publicly identified. Samuel Menchaca, a public information officer for the fire department, said he was taken to a local trauma center for treatment of possible crush injuries. Menchaca said the truck could continue compacting its contents, creating an ongoing danger to anyone inside.
Authorities suspect the man may have been searching for items in waste areas. Menchaca said people have previously been trapped in garbage containers, but those incidents were generally easier to resolve with a ladder or assistance from personnel. He characterized this rescue as a unique circumstance.
The firefighters involved in sifting through the garbage wore protective equipment. One responder suffered a laceration and was taken to a hospital.
Menchaca warned the public not to enter waste containers, which can contain hazards such as knives, broken glass, needles, substances and vermin.
