Injured worker pulled from LIRR tunnel

Specially trained New York City firefighters rescued an injured worker trapped deep underground in a tunnel being constructed for the Long Island Rail Road.

Firefighters climbed down 50 feet Thursday and hoisted the worker from the tunnel using a metal basket, Fire Department of New York Lt. Peter Blaich said.

The worker was removing debris with a giant payloader 150 feet below street level. His machine collided with another. He fell and hurt his right arm and shoulder.

The FDNY says the worker's crew pulled him up nearly 75 feet.

Firefighters got him to the surface and he's been hospitalized.

The firefighters respond to emergencies at major underground projects such as the LIRR expansion and Manhattan's Second Avenue subway line.

Blaich says new training and equipment saved them precious minutes.

SEE PHOTOSLIRR trains and commuters through the years