Weighty problem:

Dozens of rescuers called in to move a 490 pound woman
October 26, 2007
Dozens of firemen and Red Cross workers took part in an operation to transport a woman weighing 490 pounds from her home in Colombia's northern city of Cucuta to a local hospital.
The rescuers were forced to knock down two walls and one door, using saws and drills, to get 70-year-old Clementina Rios out of her home, in an operation that took over four hours to complete.
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REAL: Rescuers knock down 2 walls to hoist 35 stone woman from her home


Clementina Rios who weighs in at 490 pounds is hoisted out of her home by dozens of rescuers
"We are making a path which we will use to transport the stretcher," said Cucuta Fire Department Lieutenant David Monzalve.
"Later we will attach it to a forklift so it can be taken to the main road where she will be transported in the volunteer firemen rescue vehicle," Monzalve added.
Lying on a stretcher, Rios was carefully lifted by forklift and placed on a truck which drove her to another vehicle that was to transport her to the hospital.
Up, up and away: The emergency services had to demolish two walls to reach the 70-year-old woman
Upon her arrival at the medical centre, Rios' daughter Ruth Blanco said her mother felt much calmer following the procedure to take her out of her home.
"Everyone has been wonderful and she is well. She is happy, because they have her here."
Rios was transferred to the hospital to receive treatment for renal deficiency.
The Columbian woman was transferred to a truck before heading to the hospital