Fire crew frees teen stuck in washing machine

A 13-year-old boy playing a game of hide-and-seek got more than he bargained for Saturday.

The teen was having fun with pals and decided to hop into the top-loading washing machine at a home in the 5000-block of Rundleview Road N.E.

“He managed to get it open and get in and was virtually completely in when he got stuck,” said battalion chief Ernie Molineaux.

“At that point his grandmother attempted to free him by putting in liquid soap. (She tried) to slide him out but was unsuccessful so she called the fire department.”

When crews arrived, it took 30 minutes to partly dismantle the machine and free him.

“It wasn’t too complicated but he was in there very securely,” said Molineaux.

The machine still works and the boy was not injured.

“He was quite emphatic that he didn’t want his mother to find out,” said Molineaux.

“I think he was embarrassed and humbled by the experience.”

Firefighters describe it as an unusual call.

“Our captain on scene, he’s going to be retiring at the end of next month after 30 years. He said it’s one of the most interesting calls he’s ever been to.”