Firefighters Save Tow-Truck Operator from Sink Hole

A tow-truck operator was rescued from falling into a sink hole on Maple Avenue Friday afternoon, Sept. 13, after a full-size Chevrolet Suburban SUV hit a utility pole and a fire hydrant.

The tow truck operator was attempting to place tow hooks under the SUV when a section of the road collapsed under the vehicle from the water main break, according to Acting Barrington Fire Lt. Nick Caisse. 

The two truck operator lost his footing and almost fell into the hole filled with water and road debris, said Caisse. He and a probationary firefighter on the scene with him rushed to the operator and kept from falling into the hole. He was not injured.

Firefighters responded about 2:30 pm to the pole and hydrant at Maple and Barrington avenues. The SUV reportedly crossed the center line when the driver is believed to have suffered some type of medical episode. The crash sent the driver to Rhode Island Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The broken pole strained wires until a National Grid repair crew installed a new pole and wires. 

The Bristol County Water Authority responded to repair the water main break.