Emergency crews in Victoria have successfully completed a complex overnight rescue operation after two wedding guests fell into a deep drain in the state's east. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning following a wedding reception on Hopkins Point Road in Allansford, a rural area just outside Warrnambool.
Midnight Search Leads to Dramatic Fall
According to Victoria Police, the situation began when a 36-year-old man from Terang vanished from the wedding property around 11:30 pm on Friday. Two other guests noticed their friend was missing and initiated a search to locate him. At approximately 1:35 am, they discovered the man trapped at the bottom of a six-metre drain.
Rescue Attempt Turns into Second Emergency
In an effort to help, one of the searching guests, a 27-year-old man from Echuca, attempted to rescue his friend but also fell into the drain. The woman who had accompanied him on the search immediately called emergency services for assistance.
Meanwhile, the initial victim managed to climb out of the ditch unaided, but his companion remained stuck below, prompting a major coordinated response.
Multi-Agency Operation Mobilises
A significant rescue effort was launched involving Victoria Police, the Country Fire Authority, Ambulance Victoria, and State Emergency Service units. Firefighters established specialised rope systems to lower a rescuer into the drain and safely extract the 27-year-old man.
Injuries and Hospitalisation
Ambulance Victoria reported that the 27-year-old sustained upper body injuries during his fall and was transported to hospital in stable condition. The 36-year-old man was also taken to hospital for treatment of a medical condition, with authorities confirming he too was in a stable condition.
This incident highlights the dangers that can arise during late-night events in rural areas and demonstrates the coordinated response capabilities of Victoria's emergency services.
