A Minnesota man who had taken refuge in a CSX rail car overnight was rescued Tuesday morning after being buried under a mound of gravel. John Opp, 24, was sleeping on a bed of lime rock gravel in the rail car when more was poured in, burying him up to his neck. Workers heard Opp screaming for help and called in Jacksonville Fire Rescue. Crews used buckets and shovels to slowly free him. "The operators before they even called us were talking to him throughout the entire time telling him to just be patient and help is on the way," said Jacksonville fire and rescue spokesperson Tom Francis. Opp was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Officials on the scene said he didn't appear to suffer any serious injuries. It turns out that someone robbed Opp of his money, and he was hoping to return home on the train.
I wonder how he came to make such a poor choice for shelter? Was he unduly "influenced" via some potent potable? Boxcab E50
JACKSONVILLE, Fl (Riverside) -- 24-year-old John Opp was nearly buried alive Tuesday in Riverside. It started when Opp sought shelter inside a CSX rail car. The next thing he knew he was buried up to his neck in gravel. The train crew heard his screams and called for rescue. Opp talked exclusively with anchor-reporter Charlene Shirk. "The first time I was in the rocks, I was all the way under. The rocks were over my head," said John Opp. Fresh out of the hospital, 24-year-old John Opp believes the good Lord was listening to his cries for help when he was buried alive. Opp says how else could he survive being buried alive with only a few scratches. Opp was nearly crushed while hitching a ride on a rail car Tuesday. As cars were unloaded, he suddenly found himself part of the cargo. "All I know is that I was underneath some rocks. I started yelling. The next thing I know is my arm is up and I was looking at a fire worker. He was in the rocks with me - sliding down with me. People were yelling at him to get a rope," said John Opp, survived being buried alive. "He and a bunch of other workers helped me." Nearly 50 firefighters dug Opp out and saved his life. Opp says the Lord was listening but the rescuers answered his call. "I'm really thankful," said John Opp. "It's wonderful that I'm still alive. [I was told] it was 3000 pounds of rocks." Opp says he was riding the rails after he was robbed of all his money in West Palm Beach and was trying to get home to Minnesota. He has been issued a trespass warning. Opp says he plans to head out of town today but wants to make a stop at one of the fire stations and give his thanks in person.
