Worker rescued at Fuquay-Varina water treatment plant

Dan Hackney, a wastewater treatment plant supervisor, was lifted from the concrete bunker on a stretcher and taken to WakeMed. He was listed in good condition on Friday.

Hackney, 44, was part of a crew performing maintenance work about 15 feet below ground at the plant when one of his legs got caught in some machinery at about 9:30 a.m., said Susan Weis, spokeswoman for Fuquay-Varina. His co-workers called for help.

"Obviously, we're all very relieved that the situation was resolved quickly," Weis said. "(His injury is) fairly serious. We're all heartbroken at the town of Fuquay-Varina that someone in our family has been hurt."

As he was transferred to a waiting ambulance after being pulled from the bunker, Hackney was conscious and communicating, and he made a sign of encouragement to co-workers and waiting emergency personnel.

Hackney's family couldn't be reached for comment. On his Facebook page, the father of two describes himself as a Christian who likes spending time with his family. His latest concern was the impact Hurricane Sandy had on his family in New Jersey.

The North Carolina Department of Labor is investigating the incident.