La Piedad: Two workers rescued after cistern intoxication

Two workers, identified as Silvestre A. (38) and Rolando R. (36), were rescued after losing consciousness inside a cistern in the Vasco de Quiroga neighborhood of La Piedad, Michoacán.

The incident occurred while the men were performing waterproofing and painting tasks. It is believed that the accumulation of chemical vapors, including thinner and other solvents, in the poorly ventilated space caused the intoxication. After approximately 20 to 30 minutes of work, both men became unwell and fainted.

Local residents attempted to rescue the men but faced difficulties due to the narrow access to the cistern. Neighbors eventually used hammers and other tools to break part of the concrete structure to create an opening for extraction. Emergency responders, including firefighters, paramedics from Civil Protection and the Red Cross, and municipal police, arrived to provide first aid. One worker was reportedly transported to a regional hospital and later declared out of danger, while reports indicate the men initially declined further hospital transfer.