Two Men Fall Into Manhole in Fenton Township

Two men are hospitalized after falling down a manhole while working near Prices Airport in Fenton Township.

Fenton Township Battalion Chief Ryan Volz said one sewer worker fell 25 feet through a manhole and was unconscious for at least 15 minutes before rescue crews arrived. He said a co-worker, attempting to rescue him, was overcome by the powerful fumes of the sewer gas about 4:30 p.m. and was "pretty disoriented" when taken away by ambulance. Officials said both men were face down in the water when rescued.

Linden Police officer Gary Conklin descended into the hole before Fenton Township firefighters arrived, turning the workers over so their faces were out of the water and Conklin had to be put on oxygen when he exited the manhole.

Fenton Township Firefighters brought both men from the hole by wrapping them in rope with a harness and pulling them out.

Volz did not know the condition of the men.

"Sewer gas isn't good," Volz said.

It appears the men were doing sewer work in the area. A nearby piece of equipment read "Nix Contracting," which is a Fenton-based contractor.

The manhole is on Horizon Lakes Boulevard off of Silver Lake Road.