At a Glance
- 15-year-old boy trapped in an 11 in. drainage pipe on Jan. 24 while sledding.
- Two firefighters pulled him out and he was later taken to a local hospital.
- The incident prompted a Facebook post on Jan. 27 highlighting the buddy system and safety measures.
- Why it matters: The rescue underscores how a single friend’s quick call can prevent tragedy.
A 15-year-old boy was sledding with a friend at Sand Creek Station, a golf course in Newton, Kan., when he fell feet-first into a small drainage pipe on Jan. 24. The boy’s identity has not been released publicly. Only his fingertips were visible above ground, and his friend called a neighbor to dial 911.
Incident Overview
The boy’s fall into the pipe left him trapped. The Newton Fire/EMS Division posted on Facebook that the boy was stuck inside, with only his fingertips “visible at ground level.” The incident took place in extreme cold conditions, and the snow covering the ground made it difficult to see the drainage hole.
Rescue Efforts
When the Newton Fire/EMS Division arrived, two firefighters were able to grab his hands and pull him out by hand. The boy was safely removed from the hole and transported to a local hospital. He was in stable condition and later returned home.
Community Response
On Jan. 27, the Newton Fire/EMS Division posted a photo of the hole with a measuring tape on Facebook. The agency confirmed that a metal grate was supposed to cover the hole, that the grate was found next to the hole, and that it was replaced after the rescue. The post also emphasized the importance of the buddy system: “We posted the story to emphasize the importance of the good ol’ buddy system. This story could have had a tragic ending if this young man hadn’t had a friend with him to call for help. Especially in extreme cold conditions, it’s so important to have someone with you in case of an emergency.”
The post added that responders returned to the site to measure the hole’s interior diameter and that the priority was getting the boy out, not how he managed to get in. The post clarified that the firefighters do not wear body cameras and that photos are taken only after safety is secured and privacy is protected: “We do not take photos of a scene until after life and safety have been secured. And even then, we only take photos when a patient’s privacy can be protected.”
Safety Measures and Lessons Learned
- Buddy system: Having a friend nearby can prompt a quick emergency call.
- Visibility of hazards: Snow can hide dangerous openings; proper signage or covers are essential.
- Rapid response: Quick access to the site and efficient extraction techniques saved the boy’s life.
The incident also highlighted the need for regular inspections of drainage systems on public land, especially in areas prone to snow accumulation.
Expert Insights
Andy Harder, Newton Fire/EMS Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction, told KWCH: “I firmly believe that that individual is only alive because someone called for help. If we would have been looking for him without knowing where he was at it would have been like looking for a needle in a hay stack.” Harder added, “With the snow covering the ground you definitely have to be aware of your surroundings because you can’t see what might be underneath the snow. Is it a frozen lake or is it an open drainage hole?”
Sand Creek Station General Manager Dustin Housh also spoke to KWCH: “My reaction initially was there’s just no way a person could fit in it. I didn’t think it was possible so it seems to be kind of an incredible feat and I’m curious to how that happened.”
Key Takeaways
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 24 | Boy falls into drainage pipe while sledding. |
| Jan. 24 | Firefighters rescue boy; he is transported to hospital. |
| Jan. 27 | Fire/EMS Division posts Facebook update with safety reminders. |
The rescue demonstrates how quick action and community awareness can avert a potentially fatal accident. It also serves as a reminder for public spaces to maintain visible safety measures, especially during winter weather.
Final Thoughts
The story of the 15-year-old boy and his friends is a stark reminder that even small, everyday risks can become life-threatening if not addressed promptly. The combined efforts of the Newton Fire/EMS Division, the boy’s friend, and the community’s vigilance ensured a safe outcome. Moving forward, ensuring that drainage systems are properly covered and that people are aware of their surroundings can help prevent similar incidents.
