New York: Sidewalk collapses, he literally finds himself stuck in a rat hole

More fear than harm for Leonardo Shoulders. The 33-year-old was walking to a bus stop in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx when the ground opened up beneath his feet. Passers-by then rushed to the edge of the hole and discovered the unfortunate man, covered with swarming animals.

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The man was stuck under the rats for half an hour, about four meters deep, waiting for firefighters to free him. His brother told CBS New York he couldn’t move. “He didn’t want to scream because he was afraid the rats would get into his mouth.”

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According to a witness, the unfortunate man was just moving his hand. He was then taken to hospital. Still according to his brother, the man is traumatized, but his life is not in danger.

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Local authorities said the concrete on the sidewalk was in poor condition. An evacuation order was issued by an inspector for the entire five-story building. The department concerned recalled that the maintenance of the sidewalk was the responsibility of the owner.

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