Man Falls Through Home’s Hardwood Floor ... And Into a 30-Foot Well

Photos: Guilford Fire DepartmentA man was helping a friend move into a recently rented historical house in Connecticut when he fell through the wood floor and plunged into a 30-foot well, the Guilford Police Department reported on its Facebook page.

The Guilford Fire Department was dispatched for the fall June 28, and a firefighter was able to rappel down the well to rescue the victim, who had to tread the “extremely cold” water for nearly 25 minutes. Fortunately, the victim sustained only minor injuries from the incident, but was transported to the hospital as a precaution after being rescued.

There was no subfloor throughout the entire first floor of the home and no cap over the well, according to police. The house was built in 1843 and renovated with an addition in 1981. It is unclear at what point the 5-foot-wide well was covered over with hardwood flooring. 

“It is important to note that some of these older, historical homes may have hazards that were not upgraded by current code,” the police stated. “This situation could have ended with a fatality, but due to the extreme professionalism and capabilities of the Guilford Fire Department, everyone went home safely tonight.”