A MAN had to be rescued by firefighters after falling 30ft within a bridge support at Havengore Bridge on Foulness Island.
The worker was climbing down to the plant room at the base of the inside of the main support of the bridge which links the MoD island to the mainland.
The 60-year-old fell down two sets of ladders and injured his leg at around 2pm on Friday.
He had to be brought to the surface by stretcher through narrow 3ft square hatches with ambulance crews and firefighters working together.
Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Martyn Hodder said: “The man was working in one of the main supports of the bridge and got injured in one of the plant rooms.
“He was working 30ft down in the foundations and was trapped due to his injuries. Fire crews placed the man on a stretcher and brought him up to the surface by 2.53pm.”
Paramedics took him to Southend Hospital.
The plant room is where the mechanics of the bridge are housed to raise the bridge which links the River Crouch with the Thames.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here