March 19, 2008

Tactical rescue response initiated

       The Special Operations Tactical Rescue Team from the White River Township Fire Department was called out earlier today to assist the Bargersville Fire Department with a person trapped in mud.  The incident occurred in the Water's Edge subdivision, just south of Travis and Morgantown Roads.  Kyle Celphane, 19, a Vectren Energy meter reader, was walking down a muddy embankment near a home under construction when he began to sink into the mud.  He sank deeper with each step until he could no longer move.  He was able to get to his cell phone and call for help, but not before attempting to free himself for about thirty minutes.  Firefighters were able to remove him quickly using a system of ladders, ropes, and shovels.  Celphane was taken to Community Hospital South for evaluation of ankle pain and potential exposure concerns since he was not wearing a coat during the ordeal in the thirty-five degree temperatures.

         Heavy rains over the last couple of days had soaked the area turning the exposed clay in the area into a thick, heavy muck, according to rescue team members.  The Tactical Rescue Team consists of both on-duty and off-duty personnel who are trained in a variety of disciplines related to special rescue situations.

 

           
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