A UK tourist was taken to the hospital after falling 15ft down an uncovered drain shaft while sightseeing in Wales. The incident occurred as Danna Smith, 28, was taking a late-night walk in Luxembourg and unknowingly stepped over a drain that was supposed to be covered by three metal panels – one of which was missing. As a result, Danna fell into the dark pit, causing her to fracture two teeth and sustain cuts on her back and chin.
Following the fall, footage captured Danna in a bloodied and shocked state at the bottom of the drain shaft before she was rushed to the hospital on a gurney. Despite losing consciousness during the fall, Danna regained awareness upon impact and found herself covered in blood. Emergency services, including the police, fire brigade, and ambulance, assisted in extracting Danna from the hole before she was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Although Danna did not suffer any broken bones from the incident, she experienced difficulty opening her mouth for a week and now bears a permanent scar on her chin. The traumatic event in 2023 left her with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to anxiety about walking on grids and even taking flights due to a fear of losing control. Danna shared her harrowing experience on TikTok, garnering over 4,000 views and recounting the terrifying moments of the fall.
Reflecting on the incident, Danna, a Manchester native, described the darkness and disorientation she felt during the fall, emphasizing the fear and panic of being trapped at the bottom of the manhole. The physical and emotional impact of the fall has left her with lasting anxiety and caution, avoiding walking over grids due to the psychological trauma endured. The incident has reshaped her perspective on safety and control, instilling a newfound fear of situations involving potential falls or loss of control.
The video shared by Danna on social media offers a glimpse into the chilling experience she faced that night in Luxembourg, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk beneath seemingly ordinary walkways. The incident underscores the importance of proper maintenance and safety measures to prevent similar accidents from occurring in tourist areas. Danna’s story serves as a cautionary tale for travellers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings while exploring unfamiliar destinations to ensure their well-being and safety.