MELAKA: A 32-year-old man fell into a 4m-deep sump (or catchment) drain while attempting to rescue a cat in Taman Melaka Perdana, Ayer Keroh here.
The man broke his right leg in the fall and was trapped inside the drain for almost 30 minutes before nearby residents heard his screams for help.
Melaka Fire and Rescue Department public relations officer Deputy Fire Supt Mohd Hafidzatullah Rashid said the victim was venturing into an overgrown area behind his house after he saw the car near some bushes.
Unfortunately, he stepped on a concrete drain cover that suddenly gave way, sending him crashing into the drain on Friday (May 15).
Mohd Hafidzatullah said residents who responded to his cries for help could not pull him out because the drain was too deep and his injuries were severe.
He said firefighters received an emergency call at 10:58am and personnel from the Bukit Katil and Ayer Keroh fire stations were dispatched to the scene.
"A rescue operation was carried out using a hauling technique together with a stretcher to safely bring the victim out," he said.
He said firefighters carefully manoeuvred the injured man through the tight drain space while ensuring he remained conscious and calm.
"The victim was later handed over to paramedics before being rushed to Hospital Melaka for treatment," he added.
Mohd Hafidzatullah said the operation was brought under control at 12.41pm.
It is understood the cat ran off before the rescue.
