Overview
- RiverReach Construction workers in northeast Ohio found a tiny orange kitten trapped in the engine bay of a Komatsu excavator and freed her by removing the machine’s bottom skid plate last month.
- After rescuers failed to find the mother, the kitten spent weeks in foster care and was then placed with RiverReach’s shop mechanic, Jared, who will care for her and bring her to sites when she is older.
- Footage of the removal and rescue circulated online and drew roughly 5.8 million views, putting the crew’s effort in the national spotlight.
- Komatsu responded by sending a tiny branded safety vest and hard hat and Columbus Equipment Company sent gifts and public thanks to the RiverReach team.
- The episode highlights two practical points: heavy equipment can hide small animals in tight spaces and viral video can quickly connect field crews with suppliers and public attention.