KSDK - A dump truck driver is recovering at a St. Louis hospital after his truck fell more than 75-feet into a quarry. The accident happened in Dupo, Illinois, at the Falling Springs Quarry.
Authorities believe the driver was attempting to unload his truck when the wheels slipped over the edge. They aren't sure whether the ground gave way, the brakes gave out, or the driver just backed up too far.
Somehow, the truck landed upright and the driver, still wearing his seatbelt, survived the fall. Mark Stamm fell between 75 and 100 feet down into the pit. He landed on a ledge, still strapped into his dump truck.
Rescuers quickly responded. But the volunteers from the Prairie Du Pont Fire District say they faced some logistical challenges. They couldn't bring in their trucks, so they had to carry in rescue equipment by hand.
They hiked 150-feet to reach the victim. And when they did, they were shocked. He was awake and talking. Captain Mike Gilbert says, "He was complaining of some pain in his chest and leg pain. He was covered in blood from the fall."
Chief Aaron Hoock says, "Looking at the point they told me the truck had flipped backwards off of there and the distance that it went, I was surprised that he was talking."
Stamm is expected to make a full recovery. Authorities are still investigating the cause of this accident.
KSDK