Worker survives sewage plant fall after colleagues’ quick rescue

Brave coworkers saved a man from drowning in icy wastewater. Now, investigators are probing how the accident happened—and how it could have been prevented.

, and ASMedia

2026 January 26 . 7:28 PM

1 min read

The image shows a large water treatment plant with pipes and valves on the side of it, surrounded... — The image shows a large water treatment plant with pipes and valves on the side of it, surrounded by railings, poles, lights, trees, buildings, and vehicles on the road. In the background, the sky can be seen. This plant is likely part of a wastewater treatment plant, as evidenced by the presence of the pipes, valves, and other objects.

Worker Rescued from Clarification Basin in Neustadt - Worker survives sewage plant fall after colleagues’ quick rescue

A worker fell into a wastewater treatment tank at the Empede sewage plant in Neustadt am Rübenberge on Monday morning. Colleagues acted quickly to keep his head above water until emergency teams arrived. The incident happened under harsh winter conditions, complicating rescue efforts.

The accident occurred at around 9:15 AM on 26 January 2026. The man slipped into the tank while working at the facility. Nearby coworkers immediately pulled him from the water, preventing him from fully submerging.

Multiple fire brigades and a diving unit were called to the scene. However, most were stood down after it became clear that divers were not required. The rescued worker was then treated by paramedics on-site. Freezing temperatures and icy conditions made the response more difficult. Despite the challenges, the man was safely extracted and received medical attention.

The worker survived thanks to the fast actions of his colleagues. Emergency services confirmed he was stable after treatment. Authorities are now reviewing the incident to determine how it happened.