Else Beekman
An 8-year-old girl found herself in a terrifying predicament on Sunday evening when she became trapped inside a washing machine in Vélez-Málaga. Thanks to the swift response of local firefighters, she was rescued unharmed after an intricate operation lasting an hour.
The incident took place in a home on Calle Garita in Torre del Mar, a coastal town in the province of Málaga. At 6.22 pm, the girl’s parents called emergency services, saying that her legs were stuck inside the drum of the washing machine.
Firefighters from the Provincial Consortium rushed to the scene, immediately assessing the delicate situation. Their top priority: ensuring the child was freed without injury.
A unique rescue
Given the complexity of the situation, a firefighter with expertise in handling such machinery was called in. The team carefully dismantled the appliance piece by piece. Therefore making sure not to cause any harm to the girl in the process.
According to Manuel Marmolejo, president of the Fire Consortium, the meticulous dismantling allowed them to extract the child “without a single scratch.” The entire operation lasted about an hour, highlighting the precision and patience required for such an unusual rescue.
A happy ending to a frightening ordeal
Once freed, the rescuers checked the girl and confirmed she had not suffered any injuries. It remains unclear how she became trapped in the first place. Local authorities praised the firefighters for their professionalism and quick thinking. The ability of the firefighters to handle an extraordinary situation with expertise ensured a positive outcome to what could have been a traumatic event.
A gentle reminder of household safety
While washing machines may not seem like obvious hazards, children’s natural curiosity can sometimes lead to risky situations. Experts recommend keeping appliance doors closed when not in use and ensuring young children understand the dangers of climbing inside.
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