Woman Rescued After Plunging Through Apartment Building Trash Chute in Hackensack

A woman was hospitalized Sunday afternoon after falling several floors inside a trash chute at a high-rise apartment building in Hackensack, New Jersey, prompting a complex rescue operation by emergency crews.

According to city officials, the incident occurred at a luxury apartment building located in the 100 block of Main Street. Authorities said the woman entered a garbage chute on the building’s 14th floor at approximately 1 p.m.

Shortly after the incident, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call reporting that a woman had fallen inside the chute and her exact location was unknown. The situation triggered an immediate response from the Hackensack Fire Department, which began searching the building’s internal waste disposal system to locate her.

Firefighters initially faced difficulties determining where the woman had come to rest. After conducting a search, rescue crews discovered her trapped between the third and fourth floors. Officials said she was lodged inside the chute along with a buildup of trash, making the rescue operation more challenging.

Emergency responders worked quickly to reach the woman. Firefighters used specialized tools, including saws, to remove sections of the chute system. Crews also cleared large amounts of accumulated trash in order to gain access to her location.

The rescue effort lasted approximately 30 minutes from the time firefighters arrived at the scene. Once responders were able to safely reach her, the woman was removed from the chute feet first and brought out of the building for medical treatment.

Authorities said she was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center. The extent of her injuries has not been publicly released.

During the rescue operation, one firefighter also suffered an arm injury and was taken to a hospital for treatment, according to officials.

The incident drew attention because of the unusual nature of the rescue and the significant distance the woman fell inside the building’s waste chute system. Emergency personnel were able to successfully locate and remove her despite the difficult conditions inside the narrow chute.

Officials have not released additional information regarding the circumstances that led to the woman entering the trash chute. No further details were immediately available as authorities continued reviewing the incident.

The woman remains under medical care, while city officials have not announced any further updates regarding her condition.