Overview
- Local crews were flagged down at a storm-sewer construction site in the 800 block of Curtiss Street during heavy storms on Monday and reported two contractors trapped below street level.
- Firefighters launched a technical rescue and pulled one contractor from about 200 feet inside the storm sewer; that worker was taken to Endeavor Health Good Samaritan Hospital in good condition.
- Rising, fast-moving water inside the sewer made continued rescue attempts too hazardous, and fire officials reclassified the operation as a recovery mission overnight.
- Search operations resumed late Tuesday morning near St. Joseph Creek as conditions allowed, but the second contractor remained missing and officials said work will continue only when it is safe.
- The incident highlights the danger of flash flooding in confined underground pipes and has involved multiple west-suburban fire units supporting Downers Grove responders as crews assess when recovery can safely proceed.