In a race against time, first responders in Catoosa County, Georgia, pulled off a nine-hour rescue operation to extract a 22-year-old man trapped in a storm drain beneath a busy highway. As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, the man, identified as Thomas Loher, was stuck in a 24-inch drainpipe under Georgia Highway 2.

The perilous situation commenced when a call to Catoosa County 911 was placed by a passing motorist Tuesday afternoon, who heard desperate cries for help at the intersection of Highway 27. Per information obtained by WSB-TV, responders found the drain clogged with rocky debris, challenging the rescue efforts.

Loher, who was reported missing earlier by his family, had been trapped for over a day. Throughout the ordeal, he remained conscious, able to communicate with the rescue team as they worked tirelessly to free him. A vacuum truck from the Fort Oglethorpe Public Works was also enlisted to aid in the clearing of debris.

Following the intensive operation, Loher received medical attention at a hospital. Catoosa County Fire Chief Daniel Walston commended the collaborative efforts, stating, "Thanks to our firefighters putting their confined space rescue training to work and the assistance from several partnering agencies, this lengthy and technical rescue has a successful outcome." The sentiment of gratitude was echoed across the various agencies involved in the dramatic rescue.