Heroic Firefighters Rescue Ducklings Trapped in Hammersmith Ventilation Maze
A quacking rescue mission unfolded in Hammersmith as firefighters saved a clutch of ducklings stranded in an underground ventilation system.
Ducklings Fall From Roof Into Trapped Vent System
The fluffy baby ducks fell from a roof into an underground car park along the riverfront on Rainville Road. They got stuck behind metal grilles inside the ventilation shaft, unable to find their way out.
Firefighters Team Up With RSPCA for Feathery Rescue
Firefighter Malena Orlando, who led the daring rescue, said: “We were called to assist the RSPCA with some ducklings trapped behind a wall. They had fallen into the car park ventilation system and were stuck in two separate sections of the void.”
Using ladders and specialist tools like an electric cutter and saw, crews carefully removed parts of the metal grilles. Malena then crawled inside to catch the frightened ducklings by hand, placing them safely in a box.
Family Reunion Ends With Ducks Swimming Free
The rescued chicks were reunited with their mother and checked over for injuries. After a quick health check, the feathered family swam off happily down the river.
Malena added: “We love animals and are always happy to help when specialist equipment is needed. If anyone spots an animal in trouble, we urge them to call the RSPCA first.”
The call came in at 11.45am, with firefighters from Paddington station wrapping up the successful rescue by 12.52pm.
