Man survives fall down water sewer in Orland Park

ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- A man is now in good condition after surviving a fall down a water sewer in suburban Orland Park, officials said.

Crews were called to Harlem Avenue between 143rd and 151st streets around 5:20 p.m. Saturday to rescue the man, who had fallen 20 feet down into the sewer and sustained serious injuries, police said.

The man was returning to his parked car when he stepped into the pipe and fell in. Luckily for him, authorities say, he was able to contact police with his cellphone; without it, his location may have made it difficult for bystanders to hear any verbal distress calls.

After locating him, crews used ropes and air pressure equipment to remove him. Harlem Avenue was closed for about an hour during the rescue.