A bizarre rescue in Kansas City has gone viral after firefighters freed a man who became trapped beneath a porta-potty seat. The unusual incident first surfaced through the Citizen app, which reported that firefighters responded to a call at East 17th Street and The Paseo to assist “an individual trapped in a porta-potty.”
The app also noted that dispatchers requested an ambulance and additional firefighting units to help with the rescue. The Citizen report included radio traffic from the scene. The Citizen incident page identifies the location and shows the event occurred shortly after 11:20 a.m. on July 14.
In one transmission, a firefighter can be heard requesting additional resources, saying, “We’re going to need a pumper and an ambulance. This guy is swimming in the pot of the Port-A-John.” The responding unit later clarified that the additional crews could respond without emergency lights and sirens.
Passersby reportedly heard the man screaming
According to reports, people nearby heard the man screaming and calling for help before emergency crews arrived. However, officials have not publicly confirmed those witness accounts. Video circulating online appears to show firefighters working around the portable restroom while the trapped man calls out from inside.
Outlets including TNND and TMZ reported that firefighters had to cut apart the portable toilet. They did so to reach the man after he somehow became wedged beneath the toilet seat.
Other footage shows emergency crews helping the man after they freed him. Some reports also state that crews rinsed him off with a fire hose after the rescue.
In the viral footage, a verbal exchange occurs as firefighters cut open the unit. The trapped man can be heard repeatedly and loudly yelling, “Listen!” to the rescue crew. Firefighters continue giving him verbal commands to come out.
Social media comments included, “Yea, I would hate to be the firefighter who had to get him out of there. Nasty.” Another said, “Man really said ‘I need to go’ and took it to the next level. KC Firefighters out here doing porta-potty surgery like it’s a regular Tuesday. Respect. Hope the guy got hosed down and a new pair of pants.”
As of publication, the Kansas City Fire Department has not released a public statement explaining the circumstances that led to the rescue. The department also has not identified the man, disclosed whether he suffered any injuries, or explained exactly how he became trapped beneath the seat. Authorities have not said whether anyone else was involved.
In a similar story, in April, 2026, a woman fell through a toilet in the Australian outback. Reports say she remained there for three hours before rescue workers got her out.
Published: Jul 16, 2026 12:38 pm