A 71-year-old Highland Falls woman was critically injured Sunday when she fell 8 feet through a storm drain on Drew Avenue.

Police say Catherine Richardson suffered injuries after falling to the bottom of a catch basin. They say the 300-pound grate also fell on top of her. Luckily for Richardson, Bob Arietta heard her screams for help. He was able to free her and get her up the stairs to safety.

Police Chief Peter Miller believes the grate cover was not properly secured. The incident prompted the mayor to have Department of Public Works crews make sure all grates in the village were secure.

Richardson is listed in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center.