Winter Garden, Fla. – On Friday afternoon, a worker at Lotts Concrete suffered a serious accident when he slipped from a ladder and fell into a hopper at the plant located at 429 Hennis Road. The fall, estimated at over 10 feet, left the employee trapped and with a leg injury.

Winter Garden Fire Rescue crews arrived promptly to the scene. According to the department’s statement, the rescue required a combined high‑angle, technical, and confined‑space operation. Firefighters worked methodically to secure the area, lower equipment, and safely extract the injured worker.

After approximately 40 to 45 minutes of coordinated effort, crews successfully removed the worker from the hopper. Paramedics then placed him on a stretcher and transported him to the nearest hospital as a trauma alert, ensuring he received immediate medical attention.

During the rescue, a helicopter from the local air‑rescue unit, designated Chopper 2, hovered over the site, providing aerial observation and supporting ground personnel. The presence of the aircraft helped coordinate the response and monitor the safety of the rescuers.

The incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols in industrial settings, especially in environments where heavy equipment and confined spaces are common. While the investigation into the cause of the slip is ongoing, the swift response by Winter Garden Fire Rescue highlights the department’s readiness to handle complex emergencies.

Community response and safety reminders

Local officials praised the fire‑rescue team for their professionalism and rapid action. “Our firefighters are trained for the toughest scenarios, and today they demonstrated that training with skill and compassion,” said a spokesperson for Winter Garden Fire Rescue.

Residents are reminded that workplace safety remains a shared responsibility among employers, employees, and regulatory agencies. Proper ladder usage, fall‑prevention equipment, and regular safety drills can help reduce the risk of similar accidents.

The injured worker’s condition is currently being monitored at the hospital. No further details have been released pending family privacy.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.