A worker vanished underground during a routine job. The search ended tragically

NewsStorm sewer rescue ended in tragedy for an Illinois worker Emergency crews in Downers Grove, Illinois, recovered the body of a Vortex Lining Systems employee who was swept into an underground storm sewer during a pipe rehabilitation project. The worker was found Tuesday after a search that lasted more than a day.(Sebastian Restrepo/MassLive)DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — A worker who was swept into an underground storm sewer during a pipe rehabilitation project in suburban Chicago was found dead Tuesday, a day after rescue crews began searching for him, officials said, CBS News reported.The Village of Downers Grove announced that the man’s body was discovered around 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, inside a storm sewer near Washington Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said they were not releasing the names of the workers involved out of respect for their families.The worker was employed by Vortex Lining Systems LLC, a contractor hired by the village for a large-diameter pipe rehabilitation project that had been underway since 2025. The incident occurred Monday afternoon while crews were working below ground in the storm sewer system.Authorities said the emergency began shortly before 1 p.m. Monday when a Vortex employee approached Downers Grove police officers near the 800 block of Curtiss Street and reported that two workers had become trapped underground. Firefighters immediately launched a technical rescue operation.Rescue crews were able to reach one of the trapped workers Monday afternoon. Officials said the employee was located about 200 feet from the point where he entered the sewer and was removed safely. He was taken to a nearby hospital and was reported to be in good condition.The search for the second worker continued for hours but became increasingly dangerous because of conditions inside the underground sewer system, Fox 32 Chicago reported. Fire officials said rising water levels and hazardous conditions forced crews to temporarily shift from a rescue operation to a recovery effort Monday night.Recovery crews resumed efforts once conditions allowed and continued searching overnight and into Tuesday. The operation ended Tuesday evening when officials located the missing worker.Vortex Companies, the parent company of Vortex Lining Systems, said the company was mourning the loss of its employee and offering support to the worker’s family and colleagues. The company also thanked emergency responders who participated in the rescue and recovery operation.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was at the scene and opened an investigation into the incident, according to the Daily Herald. Officials have not released additional details about what caused the worker to become trapped.The deadly incident occurred as severe weather affected the area Monday, including thunderstorms, strong winds and tornado warnings, according to reports. A local resident who watched crews conduct the recovery operation said she felt devastated for the workers involved.Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and additional information will be released when available. ALSO TRENDING: A routine afternoon quickly turned into an emergency outside a U.S. military baseALSO TRENDING: A first grader’s suspension is putting special education under the spotlight in GeorgiaALSO TRENDING: Police say trusted Virginia church figure hid a troubling secretChris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by AL.com staff.