Man Falls 14 Floors Down Air Duct, Lives
A construction worker who survived a 14-story plunge down an air duct was in serious condition at a suburban hospital Wednesday, where his survival was termed “a Christmas miracle.”
Edward Ruettgers, 51, of Manassas, Va., fell down a 2-by-4-foot duct Tuesday at an office building under construction in Fairfax County, Va. He was listed in serious condition at Fairfax Hospital with a possible broken neck and back.
Ruettgers’ fall was broken on the fourth floor when he became wedged in an 18-by-18-inch section. Workers had to cut through the duct to reach him.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
