RTD operator’s quick actions help save trapped man

When bus operator Hanafi Ahmed’s heard a cry for help, his actions led to timely help from first responders

RTD bus operator Hanafi Ahmed had just finished operating Route 38 on Saturday, June 14, when, while walking near the gate of RTD’s bus operations facility, he heard someone calling for help. It was about 9:30 p.m. when Ahmed began searching for the source of the call. While at first he didn’t see anything, as he continued following the sound, he discovered a man trapped in a trench roughly 15 feet deep.

The individual told Ahmed he had been stuck in the trench for nearly 24 hours and was injured. Ahmed immediately contacted his RTD Bus Operations supervisor, Shaquila Rhone, who was nearby, who then called 911.

“My job is to help people, which is why I like being an operator,” Ahmed said. “When I saw the situation, I thought, ‘We have to call 911; we have to help.’”

Ahmed was later identified as the passerby referenced in KDVR’s news coverage of the incident. West Metro Fire Rescue crews responded to the scene. They successfully rescued the man from the construction site near North Crossing Drive and Clear Creek Drive. Two firefighters were able to successfully lift the injured man out of the narrow ditch.

Ahmed said he felt fortunate he was able to get the individual help before he remained in the trench any longer, especially overnight.