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SALT LAKE CITY — A 9-year-old autistic boy was rescued after being trapped in the chimney at his home at on 1378 W. California Ave. in Salt Lake City around 7:00 p.m.
Around 6:15 p.m., his mother reported hearing crying sounds from outside. When she went outside to look for the noise, she discovered that the sounds were coming from the chimney, inside which her son had become stuck, and she quickly dialed 911.
When firefighters found the boy in the chimney about seven feet from the top. He was crying, but was able to talk with firefighters.
Specially trained firefighters used technical rescue equipment to lower ropes down into the chimney which were attached to the boy's wrists and used to pull him out to safety. The boy was able to assist firefighters by sliding his hands though the loops of the ropes.
It is estimated that the young boy had been stuck in the chimney about 45 minutes before being discovered by his mother. It took firefighters about 45 minutes to successfully extricate him from the chimney.
The boy did not appear to have any injuries from the experience, but he was transported to Primary Children's Hospital to be evaluated. The mother thinks that her son lowered himself into the chimney after climbing up on the roof by himself.
Authorities believe this to be an accident and do not anticipate charges will be filed.
