Downers Grove, Illinois — A construction project turned into a desperate emergency Monday after two contractors were swept into a storm sewer by rapidly rising floodwaters during severe weather in the Chicago suburbs. While one worker was pulled to safety after an intensive rescue effort, authorities say the search for the second contractor has now transitioned into a recovery mission because of the dangerous conditions underground.
Workers Trapped as Stormwaters Rushed Through Sewer
The incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. Monday in Downers Grove, where two contractors were working inside a sewer beneath a neighborhood street when heavy rain quickly flooded the underground system.
According to village officials, the workers became trapped after stormwater rapidly filled the sewer, leaving them with little opportunity to escape.
Coworkers at the construction site immediately alerted police after realizing the men had become stranded beneath the street.
Emergency crews from the Downers Grove Fire Department responded within minutes, launching a large-scale rescue operation as severe weather continued to impact the area.
One Contractor Rescued After Massive Emergency Response
Rescuers eventually located one of the contractors approximately 200 feet from the sewer’s original entry point. The worker was successfully pulled from the underground tunnel and transported to a nearby hospital.
Officials later confirmed that the rescued contractor was in good condition, despite the frightening ordeal.
Video from the scene showed firefighters descending into the manhole while other emergency personnel and construction workers gathered around the site. Several rescuers were later evaluated as a precaution after participating in the difficult operation.
Search for Second Worker Becomes Recovery Mission
Despite extensive efforts, emergency crews were unable to locate the second contractor before conditions inside the sewer became too dangerous.
Authorities announced that the operation had shifted from a rescue mission to a recovery effort, citing extremely hazardous water conditions inside the underground drainage system.
Officials explained that the search would resume only after water levels recede enough for crews to safely re-enter the sewer.
Emergency responders are also monitoring the confined space for potentially toxic gases, which can accumulate inside underground sewer systems following major flooding and pose additional risks to rescue teams.
Severe Storms Created Dangerous Conditions Across the Area
The incident unfolded as a powerful line of thunderstorms moved across northern Illinois.
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The storms prompted a tornado warning for the county while dumping heavy rain that caused localized flooding throughout the region.
Officials said the sewer involved in the incident is designed to collect runoff from surrounding streets, meaning water levels can remain dangerously high for several hours—or even an entire day—after intense rainfall ends.
Those conditions have complicated recovery efforts and delayed crews from safely continuing the search.
Authorities have not released the identity of the missing contractor, and updates on the recovery operation are expected once conditions inside the sewer improve.
As the investigation continues, officials are urging residents to avoid flooded areas and stay away from stormwater infrastructure while cleanup efforts remain underway.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Should additional safety measures be required for crews working in underground construction during severe weather? Share your opinion in the comments below.
