Man found unresponsive in Faribault manhole dies

Tests found the manhole had high levels of hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide, as well as low oxygen levels.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
September 15, 2024 at 2:28PM

A man has died after being found unresponsive in a Faribault manhole on Friday.

The Faribault Fire Department and law enforcement responded to a call of a person unresponsive in a manhole on the 1900 block of Second Avenue NW. about 7:30 a.m. Friday, a Fire Department news release said.

Firefighters entered the manhole and gave the man oxygen before removing him and taking him to a waiting ambulance helicopter, the release said. The manhole had high levels of hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide, as well as low oxygen levels, tests found.

“This is a tragic event and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the individual,” Fire Chief Dustin Dienst said in a statement.

Faribault fire and police crews conducted an investigation and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified.

about the writer

Greta Kaul

Reporter

Greta Kaul is the Star Tribune’s Ramsey County reporter.

See More