News Summary
Search operations continue for a 26-year-old man and a 9-year-old boy who vanished in a Jefferson County rock quarry. The duo disappeared while fishing, prompting rescue attempts. Unfortunately, their recovery has become increasingly challenging due to the quarry’s depth and unclear waters. A community mourns the loss while rescue teams leverage both diving and aerial resources to locate the missing individuals.
Search Efforts Intensify After Man and Boy Disappear in Jefferson County Rock Quarry
Midfield, Alabama – Search operations are currently underway for a 26-year-old man and a 9-year-old boy who vanished after both fell into a rock quarry in western Jefferson County on Saturday evening. Authorities were alerted to the situation at around 5:40 p.m. when a report was made regarding a person who had fallen into the water. The initial report specified a location near Bessemer Avenue and Myrtle Avenue in Birmingham, but was later updated to pinpoint the site at 1555 Hartman Industrial Boulevard in Midfield, adjacent to the Holcim Birmingham Slag Plant.
Upon arrival, first responders from the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service, Birmingham Police, Midfield Fire and Rescue, Midfield Police, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office learned that the boy had fallen into the quarry while reportedly fishing, which prompted the adult to attempt a rescue. As of now, neither the man nor the boy has been seen resurfacing since the incident occurred.
Rescue Attempts and Recovery Operations
Witnesses were present when the incident happened, but many left the scene before law enforcement officials arrived, despite reportedly attempting to jump into the water to help rescue the victims. The quarry in question contains a holding pond with an entry point approximately 10 feet above the water and a depth estimated at around 30 feet. Complicating the situation, while the surface water appears clear, it quickly becomes darker as it deepens, making search and recovery operations more challenging.
By 7:15 p.m., the dive team from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was deployed into the water, and aerial assistance was provided through a drone to enhance the search effort. Given the elapsed time since the individuals disappeared, authorities indicated that the situation has shifted to a likely recovery operation rather than a rescue.
Location and Community Response
The area where the incident took place is private property; however, it is known to the local community as a popular spot for swimming and fishing. The community has responded to the tragedy with concern and sadness, as friends and family members of the missing individuals gathered at the site, visibly distraught over the unfolding situation.
Next Steps in the Investigation
As the search continues, authorities are focused on ensuring the safety of all involved and maintaining the integrity of the recovery process. Further details will be released by emerging reports as the situation develops. The community remains hopeful for positive news as efforts to locate the man and boy persist.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Man and Child Missing After Fishing in Midfield Rock Quarry
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- ITV News: Body Found in Search for Missing 17-Year-Old Boy
- Google Search: Missing Persons Search Efforts
- Amomama: The Story of a Boy Missing for 13 Years
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Search and Rescue
- Google News: Rock Quarry Accidents
