A young woman is recovering in the hospital after being stuck in a storm sewer. More than 24 hours later, Council Bluffs Police found her hyperthermic on Sunday night.
In the freezing temperatures, 24-year-old Melissa Ramirez fell six feet into an uncovered storm sewer at 6th and Avenue E Sunday.
On Monday afternoon, hospital officials tell Channel 6 that Ramirez is at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She's listed in critical condition. Public Works Director Greg Reeder says theives may be to blame.
Reeder says that there are probably many sewer covers missing around Council Bluffs because people have stolen them.
"We probably have 10,000 to 20,000 castings all over the city," said Reeder. "It's just physically not possible to keep track of every one and inspect everyone."
Reeder urges anyone who sees a cover missing to please contact them at (712) 328-4634.
