At approximately 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, the Joseph City Fire Department, Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and Holbrook EMS responded to an area near the TA Travel Plaza, located at 3747 Express Drive for a report of a person that had fallen 10 feet into a manhole and was unresponsive with unknown injuries. The person was able to be extricated from the manhole and was transported by Guardian Air Angel 5 to an area trauma center for treatment. How the incident occurred and identity of the person was not released.
Commenting on the incident, JCFD Captain Tyler Rice stated, “This incident showcases the importance of mutual aid agreements and the ability to have ‘special rescue’ capabilities in our rural area. Having the equipment and personnel available made it possible to have no response delay after assistance was requested. It takes many hands to safely complete an incident like this.”
