EIGHT-year-old Riley Stiles was reunited with his rescuers today.
The Jandabup boy had been playing in a trench yesterday afternoon when it caved in around him, sparking a long and dangerous rescue effort that went into the night.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services district officer Nigel Elliott was glad to catch up with the boy today, and to share yesterday’s happy outcome.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWIt could have been a different story if a shored-up wall of the trench had collapsed before rescuers could pull him to safety.
“It was probably one of the most technical rescues and if not one of the most dangerous ones that I’ve actually been involved in,” Mr Elliott said.
“And the guys did an absolute fantastic job not only going in there and putting their lives at risk but having a fantastic outcome where not only the child but the dad came out alive so it’s a great result.”
Riley was taken by helicopter to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital before being transferred to PMH for a check-up.
He was discharged from hospital last night and glad to get the day off school and thank his rescuers.
MORE: Jandabup boy trench rescue: Boy’s father grateful to rescuers for saving his son’s life