Washing up liquid rescue

May 17 2008 by Liz Hands, The Journal

A LITTLE boy stuck down a drain after the cover is believed to have been stolen was saved by firefighters who used washing up liquid to free him

Akil Ahmed, five, was wedged in the 35cm [14in] wide hole after falling into it while playing with friends.

His mother, Lilly Aktar, 28, and aunt Shanara Begum tried to free him, but without success.

He had fallen shoulder deep with his legs folded behind him, so attempts to free him caused him pain.

Police and neighbours joined the rescue effort, but soon realised little Akil was trapped.

Firefighters from Sunderland Central were called to Northcote Avenue, Hendon, Sunderland, and found a tearful Akil stuck in the drain up to his shoulders.

Crew manager Derek Grimes decided to use Fairy Liquid to lubricate the pipe and free the youngster, who was treated by paramedics for shock and grazing.

When asked about his ordeal, Akil said: “I was frightened.”

Akil’s uncle now wants an explanation about why the drain was left open.

He has been helping watch over Akil and his three siblings while their father Salam is on holiday.

Sadik Miah, 35, who runs Thorndale Tandoori, at Thorney Close, says the drain cover has been missing for a week.

It is believed it may have been taken by thieves for its scrap value.

He said: “It is a danger because it is close to the path. If his cousin Shomun hadn’t been there to run for help, I don’t know what would have happened.

“What if it had happened to someone at night or an old person? He was so far in you wouldn’t have seen if you drove past. Only his head and shoulders were sticking out.

“I know it was an accident, but I can’t believe it was left open next to the path.”

Community leader Tafazzal Hussain says he has complained about the open drain to the council.

“The council have come out and made it a bit safer and say they put it on their job list to come and fix it. I’ve got a feeling that someone has stolen it.”

A spokesman for Sunderland Council said: “The drain cover will be replaced today and the costs recovered from the home owner.”

Colin Bowman, station manager at Sunderland Central fire station, said: “We got a request to attend from police who had been trying to free the young lad for about 20 minutes. He was distressed by the time we got there but was being comforted by his mum.

“Crew manager Derek Grimes was in charge of the appliance that was there and carried out an assessment.

“The boy’s legs were doubled back on themselves so he was wedged in the pipe and couldn’t get out because his legs were folded.

“Derek is an experienced fire officer and thought it might just be one of those things that could be solved by using the good old washing up liquid technique, which is very, very successful.

“He asked a local resident if he could use some washing up liquid and while he was supporting him one of the firefighters lubricated his legs and, like a cork out of a wine bottle, he came out.

“He was checked out by paramedics and had minor bruising to his knees but was more than grateful to get out.

“Our message is to make sure you know where your children are at all times.

“This could have ended very badly. Fortunately the pipe was only about 80cm deep but it could have been open ended so this could quite easily have been a tragic accident.”