Home’s floor collapses, sending guest to bottom of hidden 30-foot well in Connecticut

What started as a neighborly visit turned into a bizarre rescue Sunday in Connecticut, after someone fell through a home’s vintage hardwood floor straight into a 30-foot well, according to the Guilford Police Department.

Investigators dubbed the mishap both “amazing” and “unbelievable,” because the victim not only suffered a dangerous fall, but was at risk of drowning — all while indoors. Guilford is about 15 miles east of New Haven.

“Yup you read that correctly! ...While the new tenant was moving into the home today, a friend fell through the floor into the abyss of a 20-30 ft well, splashing into extremely cold water that was well over the victim’s head,” police officials posted on Facebook.

“The house was built in 1843 and this well was most likely outside at the time. There was a renovation and addition in 1981. At some point, this well was covered with simple wood flooring and no subfloor or well cap.”

The victim, who was not identified, was forced to tread water in the well for 25 minutes as rescuers worked to get the person into a harness and pull them up, police said. Photos shared by police and fire officials show the victim, who appeared to be male, clinging to a rope in neck-deep water filled with flooring and other debris.

In an update, the police department said the flooring “broke” underneath the person “and went down with he victim.”

”The victim only suffered minor injuries, but was transferred to the hospital to be checked out,” police wrote.

“This situation could have ended with a fatality but due to the extreme professionalism and capabilities of Guilford Fire Department, everyone went home safely tonight.”

Fire department officials reported the home has been under renovation.

This story was originally published June 29, 2020 at 1:41 PM.