The City of Winnipeg is set to commence repairs on a hole located in the Wolseley area, following an incident where a woman was rescued by firefighters after falling into it and being stuck for approximately 40 minutes. Lisa Marquardson, the communications coordinator for the city’s water and waste department, mentioned in an email that the repair work will start on Thursday.
Christine Keilback unexpectedly fell into the hole near her residence on Lipton Street over the weekend but thankfully emerged unharmed and in good spirits. She shared in an interview with CBC News that despite the incident, she found humor in the situation rather than being upset.
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service’s technical rescue team swiftly responded to the scene, utilizing specialized equipment to safely extract Keilback from the hole. Marquardson explained that the hole was a result of a previously removed catch basin and lead pipe, where the backfilled materials had shifted over time.
After the rescue operation, temporary measures were implemented to secure the site, including placing a cover over the hole and setting up barricades. Additionally, inspections revealed a similar issue on the opposite side of the road, prompting plans for repairs in that location as well.
Marquardson highlighted that such incidents are rare in the city and assured that further investigations will be carried out to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The city remains committed to addressing any potential safety concerns to ensure the well-being of its residents.