Gas Worker Rescued After Plummeting 30-40 Feet Into Old IE Well

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA — First responders in the Inland Empire worked Monday to rescue a gas company worker who fell 30-40 feet into an old well.

Cal Fire/San Bernardino County Fire Department was on the scene of the incident that was reported after 10 a.m. in the 16400 block of Orange Street in the high desert city of Hesperia.

According to the fire department, the worker fell after soil covering the old well collapsed.

Firefighters used a rope rescue system to hoist the man from the well. According to the fire department, it took just over an hour to complete the operation.

The man, whose identity was not released, was transported via helicopter to a regional trauma center. An update on his condition was unavailable.

Southwest Gas Corporation is the natural gas provider for Hesperia, though it's not immediately clear who the worker is employed by.

Hesperia Road was closed between Yucca and Sultana Streets during the rescue effort.