By TAYLOR BROWN
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An Allenport man believed to be in his 70s was transported to a Pittsburgh area hospital on Wednesday after being pinned underneath a tree stump on his property.
Stockdale Fire Department Chief Tom Wilkinson said crews were called to the area after 2 p.m.
The man, who was not identified, called 911 after a tree stump fell on his lower leg.
Wilkinson said the man told first responders he was cutting down a tree on the back part of his property when a 25-foot long tree trunk unexpectedly fell onto his foot and lower ankle. It was too heavy to remove himself.
Wilkinson said the man told him he usually does not perform such tasks on his own.
Luckily, Wilkinson said the man had a cellphone with him that he was able to reach to call 911.
However, because of his remote location, it took first responders longer than normal to locate him.
Once they did, they used air bags to lift the tree from his leg.
He was transported by Rostraver West-Newton Emergency Services to a Pittsburgh area trauma center for treatment.
Wilkinson said he is expected to recover.
“If he had not had a cellphone on him, we might not have found him,” Wilkinson said. “So that is very lucky.”
Aside from being cold, Wilkinson said the man was alert and able to communicate with first responders before being taken to the hospital.
It took crews about 45 minutes to remove the tree, Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson said the man informed firefighters Wednesday night he did not appear to suffer any broken bones.
He is expected to be released from the hospital today.
Crews were assisted on scene by Roscoe Volunteer Fire Company and the Charleroi Volunteer Fire Department.