Ex-mayor rescued after getting stuck under pipe while taking shortcut to station
WeirdNews
Chris Cummins, 75, was rescued by local footballers
LONDON (Web Desk) - Chris Cummins, 75, was eventually rescued from his ordeal by local footballers after he climbed under the pipe to avoid climbing a hill to catch a train from Barkingside Tube station in Redbridge, east London.
He got caught as he tried to crawl though, and was unable to dislodge himself. He was stuck with no food or water from Tuesday to Saturday - and having lost his phone the day before, he couldn't call anyone to set him free.
Mr Cummins prayed and cried out for help - and was eventually rescued by someone he thought was an angel.
Richard Eaton, the manager of Redbridge FC, said that the football club that Mr Cummins tried to climb through, saved him from his plight after hearing the former mayors' plaintive cries.
Mr Eaton and colleagues found Mr Cummins, called the emergency services and fed the unlucky pensioner water through a straw until they arrived.
Mr Cummins then spent several months in hospital recovering, and had several toes amputated for a pre-existing condition.
Mr Eaton said that he and workmen were at the club on Saturday when they heard Mr Cummins crying for help, and went out to find him.
He added: "We unexpectedly found him in a terrible position face down in the dirt with no way to project his voice to be heard from the other side of the building.
"We quickly realised how serious the situation was and I called the ambulance and fire department to rescue him. I got him a small cup of water with a straw whilst the others comforted him and asked basic questions that would help the emergency services on their arrival.
"The fire department cut away the metal fence freeing Chris from one side before lifting him out and treating him onsite before rushing him off to hospital."
Mr Eaton said that he would never forget the "pure joy" in Mr Cummins' voice and face that they had found him.
