Nevada state worker injured in fall down air shaft

A state public works buildings inspector was Care Flighted to Renown Hospital in Reno Wednesday morning after falling down a large ventilation shaft in the Blasdel Building behind the state capitol.

The man was reported undergoing surgery for his injuries by midday.

He fell more than two stories down the 3-by-3 foot shaft while helping contractors with a project to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in the 60-year-old office building.

But officials say he was awake, talking to his rescuers and moving his upper body when he was pulled from the shaft.

To get him out, state and fire rescue crews had to tear out sheet rock encasing the shaft then cut away the sheet metal wall of the HVAC shaft itself.

He was reported in stable condition by Wednesday evening, according to officials.