Photo – Excavator tips, trapping operator…

Excavator tips over during demolition of downtown Dayton building

One of two excavators demolishing the Montgomery County Court Services building downtown at the corner of W. 2nd and Perry streets tipped over on its side when a wall collapsed Thursday evening, for a short time trapping the operator in his cab.

Dayton firefighters working from a ladder truck’s extension used a saw to cut through debris and free the operator, a procedure that took about a half-hour. The operator was released unharmed.

District Fire Chief Lester Flohr said the trackhoe had its cutting arm extended and was moving backward when a lower wall collapsed, sending it sliding sideways on a pile of debris. Firefighters had to work with care since the equipment was poised precariously, he added.