Continuing story · 1 report
Downers Grove storm-drain rescue
DevelopingNext check : Look for whether the missing worker is found and crews conclude the response.
Where it stands
After heavy rain, two contractors became trapped in a storm drain on Curtiss Street in Downers Grove. Firefighters rescued one, while the second remained unaccounted for and crews continued searching as of the report aired July 28, 2026.
Story trackerDay 1
1 report8 outlets11 sources1 video
The story so far
Two Went Into a Downers Grove Sewer in a Storm. Only One Came Out.
Two Vortex contractors were caught in a Downers Grove sewer during a July 27 thunderstorm. One was rescued; one was found dead Tuesday. What the pipe, the forecast, and OSHA's probe tell us.
Still open after this report
- No names, ages, or hometowns of the workers are given in the provided excerpts.
- No verified account yet of who authorized work during a forecast storm or what warnings were given.
History
Opened1 report
Who's involved
People
- Maggie VespaAmerican journalist1 report
Places
- 800 Curtiss St800 Curtiss St, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA1 report
- AppletonAppleton, WI, USA1 report
- Downers GroveDowners Grove, IL, USA1 report
- MenashaMenasha, WI, USA1 report
- Saint Joseph Creek RoadSt Joseph Creek Rd, Lisle, IL 60532, USA1 report
Every outlet we read on this story
11 sources8 outlets1 video
NBC Newsnbcnews.com1