HOUSTON – A man was rescued from the back of a garbage truck early Friday morning after firefighters said he became trapped inside while a recycling dumpster was being emptied in west Houston.
According to the Houston Fire Department, crews responded around 3:49 a.m. to the rear of a building in the 7500 block of Westheimer Road near South Voss Road.
Investigators say the driver of a garbage truck was emptying a recycling dumpster into the truck when she heard a man screaming for help from inside.
The man reportedly told the driver he had injured his legs, prompting her to call 911.
Firefighters used an aerial ladder and a Stokes basket to pull the man from the back of the garbage truck. Video from the scene showed crews carefully lifting him out before transferring him to a stretcher.
HFD said the man was conscious and alert during the rescue and was able to assist firefighters as he was moved onto the stretcher.
He was transported to a hospital for treatment. His condition has not been released.
Officials say the dumpster contained cardboard and no valuables. It remains unclear why the man was inside the dumpster or whether he may have been dumpster diving or homeless.
The incident remains under investigation.