Man injured rescuing kitten trapped below steel grate in downtown Omaha

[Omaha Steve]

By Michael O'Connor / World-Herald staff writer Aug 8, 2018 Updated 4 hrs ago

A man was injured in downtown Omaha on Wednesday morning while trying to rescue a kitten that was trapped in a 25-foot-deep ventilation shaft below a steel grate.

Two men lowered a ladder into the shaft below the grate to attempt to reach the kitten. One of the men stepped down onto the ladder, but it gave way, and he fell just before 10 a.m.

The ventilation shaft is outside The Omaha World-Herald Building at 14th and Douglas Streets.

The man was taken to Nebraska Medical Center in critical condition, according to firefighters at the scene.

FULL short story: https://www.omaha.com/news/metro/downtown/man-injured-rescuing-kitten-trapped-below-steel-grate-in-downtown/article_f1cfb0e3-e5f9-5cb3-9f64-3c08c1c9cb4e.html

[CurtEastPoint]

1. And the kitten was rescued. Thankful for the men who saved him/her.

[DeminPennswoods]

2. Kitten also successfully rescued

I sure hope this guy survives. It would be great if, when he makes a full recovery, the kitten will adopt him.

[Demovictory9]

8. oh good. hope the guy is ok.

[Omaha Steve]

11. Great idea

[irisblue]

3. This guy deserves thoughts and prayers.

[malaise]

4. Get well soon

And thanks for helping to save kitty

[oasis]

5. I hope he fully recovers. Great guy.

[Blue Owl]

6. Poor guy

A valiant man and a noble deed -- hope he recovers quickly

[Blue_true]

7. Nothing like a good set of ropes.

The first rule of ladders is insure that the base is secure AND stable before stepping on it.

[Hortensis]

9. No word yet on the poor man taken to the hospital.

[NoSmoke]

10. A bit of good news - kitten rescued -

in another dreary news-day. Hoping to hear more when the guy recovers.