Detroit firefighters rescue woman who fell into Hart Plaza grate opening

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Detroit firefighters rescued a woman trapped in a hole after a grate flips up in Hart plaza.

The woman was walking across the grate when it went up, sending her falling eight feet down Wednesday afternoon.

"I heard like a lot of metal crashing," said witness Cheryrell Collier. "And then I see a lot of people running to the grate over there."

Luckily some leaves and trash at the bottom helped brake her fall. Firefighters quickly arrived to the scene at about 1:30 p.m., keeping her calm.

"They were assisting and just kept her talking as EMS prepared to come," said Collier.

Within 5 to 10 minutes the woman was carefully pulled back out and taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital. She was treated for cuts and scrapes, a sore back and missing tooth.

City officials say the grate has been fixed after someone illegally tampered with it, making it unsafe.

The emergency responders were praised for their quick efforts. Detroit Firefighters Union President Mike Nevin released a statement saying:

"Detroit Fire Fighters/EMS are rescuing and saving more lives than at any other time in the city of Detroit's history. Many of these heroic acts happen as the public sleeps. Incidents like today are witnessed by many, nevertheless, whenever the bell goes off, we are our way, we will save you."

FOX 2 is told the woman, who could not be reached for comment, is doing well.