ATKINSON COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — On Monday, Sept. 7, emergency personnel responded at 5:04 p.m. to an area north of Highway 82 West near Kirkland Lane. A large tree fell onto an excavator, trapping the operator inside.

To reach the site, responders, co-workers, and family waded through 300 yards of swampy, alligator-populated terrain. Crews used chainsaws to cut the tree away and free the man.

The victim was treated by paramedics, carried back to dry land, and taken by ambulance to a landing site in Willacoochee. He was airlifted to a regional trauma center in stable condition.

“This was a very complex call where responders had to risk a lot to save a lot,” authorities said. No other injuries were reported.

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