A 50-year-old man required transport to Mercy Regional Medical Center after being found stuck and unconscious in a septic tank, according to authorities.
Durango Fire Protection District Chief Hal Doughty said the Southern Ute Police Department asked for assistance with a hazmat crew around noon Tuesday at the tribe’s wastewater treatment plant at 16364 Highway 172 near Ignacio.
Doughty said the man was reportedly stuck in a septic tank and not breathing or conscious. He did not have more information Tuesday afternoon.
La Plata County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Chris Burke said initial information indicates the man was cleaning the septic system when he passed out, likely a result of the fumes.
Burke said the man was being taken to Mercy, but he did not have more information about the incident. He said Los Pinos Fire Protection District assisted with the rescue, but the district did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Lindsay Box, spokeswoman for the tribe, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
