Man trapped in donation bin rescued with Jaws of Life

Fire crews in New Westminster, B.C., had to use the Jaws of Life to rescue a man trapped inside a donation bin early Friday morning.

The incident began around 4 a.m. when police started getting calls of a man screaming on Quayside Drive.

When officers arrived, they found the man had fallen inside a donation bin, leaving him trapped inside, said Sgt. Diana McDaniel.

"I guess the door was open only one way and the male that was stuck inside couldn't get out," said McDaniel.

"We don't think [he was in there] very long. I think once he realized he couldn't get out, that's when the screams started. Right away we received calls and attended."

Police were unable to free the man so they called New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services

"They attended and used the Jaws of Life to open up the bin so that the male could get out," said McDaniel.

While the man wasn't injured, the bin was destroyed getting him out, meaning it will have to be replaced.

"Damage to property is illegal, but he didn't damage it. He was in a situation where he obviously could have suffered some injury. We basically got him out for his safety and there are no charges."

"He was sent on his way, but obviously warned not to do that again."

This isn't the first time emergency crews had to rescue someone from inside a donation bin in Metro Vancouver. In August, a young man had to be pulled out of a Vancouver donation bin after he crawled inside.