NORTHRIDGE : Wall Collapses on Construction Worker
A 19-year-old construction worker was rescued by firefighters Thursday after a concrete wall collapsed on him during earthquake repairs.
Mario Ballestero and three other laborers were digging out a quake-damaged concrete wall surrounding a swimming pool at 10618 Baird Ave. when it toppled forward, trapping Ballestero’s leg, according to fellow construction workers.
After a neighbor’s call, Los Angeles City firefighters helped Ballestero get out by using a high-tech inflatable pillow to lift the heavy wall.
Ballestero was treated at Granada Hills Community Hospital for a fractured lower leg and released Thursday afternoon, said hospital spokeswoman Sara Steinman.
More to Read
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.