U.S.- Firefighters in Delray Beach, in southeastern Florida (USA), rescued a woman who was naked in a sewer about 2.5 meters deep located on a busy avenue, and who had been missing for weeks.
The woman was rescued Tuesday after a bystander heard her calls for help and called 911, after which firefighters who responded to the call pulled her out of the storm drain with a ladder and a harness.
The Police are investigating how the woman, over 40 years old and who has not been identified by the local authorities, ended up in the sewer and for how long she was there, although they rule out that it was against her will and that in between there is some kind of crime.
Delray Beach Police spokesman Ted White told local WPTV that the woman told firefighters that she had been there for a “significant time, maybe days, maybe weeks,” a fact they need to confirm when they interview her family and friends.
White added that it was “by far the most bizarre case” his agency had responded to.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said the woman had been reported missing on March 3.
Dani Moschella, a spokesman for the Delray Beach Fire Department, said that in this “dangerous place” the woman probably had to deal with rats and other critters while she was, as well as the “terrible” smell she had to endure.
“We rescued ducklings, kittens and puppies, and this is the first time anyone can remember seeing a person down there,” he acknowledged.
The woman had scratches and was referred to a local hospital, according to authorities.
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