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Firefighters Rescue Water Department Worker Stuck In Hole In South Shore

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago firefighters freed a Water Department worker who got trapped in a hole Wednesday afternoon in the South Shore neighborhood.

The worker got trapped in a muddy hole near 67th Street and East End Avenue, prompting CFD crews to use a vacuum and other tools to remove water, dirt, and other debris from the hole to get her free.

"It was pulling debris and mud right on top of her so while the firefighters were trying to actually dig around her foot it was continuously pushing the mud and water back on her and it was re-trapping her," said Jamar Sullivan, Chicago Fire Department

According to unconfirmed dispatch reports, the worker was helping install a hydrant when she got stuck in the hole.

The Fire Department later tweeted video of firefighters getting the woman free, and the worker climbing a ladder to climb out of the hole before getting onto a waiting stretcher.

The Fire Department said the woman was in good spirits during the rescue effort, and in good condition once she was freed.

CBS 2's Meredith Barack followed up on the hole, as of now the hole has been filled with gravel. No word on when the hole will be permanently filled, or when the project will be complete.

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