Man falls into sewage tank in rural Ōtaki: Rescued 20 minutes later

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 10am.

A “lucky man” who was rescued and hosed off by firefighters after falling into a sewage tank is off to buy a Lotto ticket.

Emergency services were called at 10.12am after reports someone had fallen into a tank.

Ōtaki chief fire officer Ian King said crews put a short ladder into the tank and the man was able to climb out by himself.

It was an old tank on a private property, King said.

“I believe he stepped backwards and it sounds like the top of the tank has given way.”

The sewage reached just under the man’s arms. He wasn’t injured other than some “hurt pride probably”, King said.

“The most danger in a situation like that is inhaling the fumes but he’s fine.”

Firefighters hosed him off and the man was walking around in a towel as they left, King said.

“He’s a very lucky man. I think he said he was going to go and buy a Lotto ticket.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager Chris Dalton said crews were able to rescue him less than 20 minutes after first receiving the report.

The tank was “chocka” with sewage, he said.

“I don’t need to say it to you exactly how horrendous that would’ve been.”