TWO builders had to be rescued by firefighters today after plunging down a 40ft well shaft on the site of a former Sheffield school.
Firefighters and others members of the emergency services were called to the former Daniel Hill Junior School in Upperthorpe at around 11.16am this morning.
The site is currently being redeveloped as flats.
Construction workers Darren Cousins, aged 39, of Wybourn, and Andy Topham, 40, of Goole, were trapped down the shaft for around one and a half hours before being brought to safety by the fire service.
They were brought to the surface and wrapped in foil blankets for warmth before being taken to hospital.
Both men were conscious and talking, according to eyewitnesses.
A total of 30 firefighters manning six appliances from Central Sheffield, Mansfield Road and Rotherham were quickly on the scene with colleagues from the Technical Support Unit also in attendance.
Central Station Manager Phil Shillito, who headed up the rescue operation, said it was believed the well, which is within the school, was around 40ft deep.
He said as the rescue operation got underway: "The building is currently surrounded by scaffolding and is presently being redeveloped.
"We understand two construction workers have fallen a considerable distance down an old well inside the building.
"We have made voice contact with the two construction workers and remain confident that we will have them out soon."
- Keep checking The Star's website for photos from the scene.
- See The Star tomorrow for a full report.
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