News Summary
A search operation is ongoing in Midfield, Alabama, for a 9-year-old child and a 26-year-old male who fell into a quarry while fishing. Initial rescue attempts were unsuccessful as both individuals failed to resurface. The incident escalated from a rescue mission to a recovery operation due to the depth of the water and elapsed time. Witnesses reported efforts to help, but many left the scene before authorities arrived. Friends and family are anxiously waiting for news as local authorities urge caution near such sites.
Search Underway for Missing Child and Adult Male After Fall into Quarry in Midfield
Midfield, Alabama – A child and an adult male are currently missing after both fell into a quarry on Wednesday evening. The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) was dispatched at 5:04 p.m. to the reported site located at the intersection of Bessemer Avenue and Myrtle Avenue, initially believing a water rescue was needed. However, the location of the incident was later confirmed at 1550 Hartman Industrial Boulevard.
Details indicate that the 9-year-old child fell approximately 10 feet into the water while at the quarry, which is a popular but private property site known for fishing and swimming. In an attempt to assist the child, a 26-year-old adult male, who was fishing with the child, also jumped into the water, but neither individual was able to resurface. Witnesses at the scene reported that they attempted to provide assistance; however, their efforts proved unsuccessful. Many witnesses fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, complicating the ongoing rescue efforts.
The depth of the water at the quarry is estimated to be around 30 feet, raising concerns about the difficulty faced by rescue teams in locating the missing individuals. As the search operations unfolded, the situation shifted towards a recovery operation around 6:30 p.m., according to BFRS Battalion Chief Clay Hendon, as the elapsed time increased the urgency of the situation.
By 7:15 p.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office dive team was deployed to the site to assist in searching the water. Additionally, a drone was brought in to support the efforts, employing tools designed to enhance visibility and effectiveness in recovery operations. Amidst the ongoing search, friends and family members of the missing individuals gathered at the scene, visibly distressed and awaiting updates.
Background Context
The quarry, while a known recreational site, is classified as private property. Signs indicating the risks associated with such locations may not be well enforced or visible to casual visitors. Swimming and fishing are relatively common activities in the area, which may have contributed to the victim’s presence there. The decision to jump into the quarry’s waters has raised questions concerning safety practices and awareness among those who use the site.
As the search continues, local authorities are reminding the public to exercise caution when engaging in activities near bodies of water, particularly in areas that have inherent risks. Ongoing updates regarding the search and recovery operations are anticipated, as efforts persist to locate the missing child and adult male.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Man and Child Missing After Fishing in Midfield Rock Quarry
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- WBRC: Water Rescue Underway for Child and Man in Midfield Quarry
- Google Search: Midfield Quarry Rescue
- ABC3340: Heavy Police Presence at Holcim Birmingham Slag Plant
- Google Scholar: Water Rescue Operations
- AL.com: Santa Claus Playing Tutor Charged in Child Sex Abuse Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Safety
- AL.com: Search Resumes for Woman Missing After Alabama Boat Crash
- Google News: Alabama Missing Persons
