Police rescue tourist stuck in toilet

BLAIR ENSOR/Marlborough Express

BLOCKED UP: Blenheim volunteer firefighters come to the aid of a Chinese tourist after her comfort stop in the Countdown carpark public toilet became anything but.

RELIEVED: Chinese tourist Ying Chao following her toilet ordeal.

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Ying Chao was relieved in more ways than one when volunteer firefighters came to her rescue at a Blenheim public toilet last night.

The Chinese tourist called emergency services from inside the electronic public toilet in the Countdown carpark after she was unable to open the door to get out.

Firefighters rushed to the scene just before 6pm, freeing Miss Chao within seconds after it was discovered she was not opening the door properly.

An embarrassed but relieved Miss Chao told The Marlborough Express she was not sure why she could not work out how to open the door, but was grateful to firefighters for their help.

She was also thankful she had her mobile phone with her and had memorised the New Zealand emergency number, 111. "It's the only number I know to call here."

It had not been a pleasant experience being trapped in the toilet and she was pleased her extended comfort stop was now over.

Blenheim Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Rob Dalton said the toilet rescue was the first he was aware of by the brigade.

However, there was always plenty of variety in the job, Mr Dalton said.

"We get involved in all sorts of things. It's always challenging being a firefighter."

- The Marlborough Express