An unplugged pump sent a concrete tank rising from the ground

A drainage pump unplugged during heavy rain allowed a 700-cubic-metre concrete tank to rise out of the ground, leading to a major rescue operation, construction manager Siim Toots told ERR’s R2 Hommik! radio programme.

A worker had unplugged the pump to charge a cordless drill battery. With the pump no longer working, rainwater caused the tank to rise from the ground, Toots said. Concrete columns supporting the building also rested on the tank, making the incident especially complicated.

The team began a large-scale rescue operation on Monday morning. The incident cost many work hours and some money, Toots said, adding that insurance partners helped. His role was to find a quick way for the project to move forward.

Toots, who has worked as a construction manager for more than 10 years, said up to 50 people may be on his team. He does not directly manage individual trades such as bricklayers or tilers, as those workers have their own supervisors.

His workday is shaped by meetings and appointments, but new problems can change his plans, he said. Construction depends on a large team, with each person playing an important role.