ER24 spokesperson Ross Campbell says the girl stood on top of the machine to hang up laundry in her grandparents' backyard yesterday - when she fell through the lid of the top loader.

Campbell says the child was stuck for an hour before medics and firefighters were called to the home just after 6pm.

He says the quick response by her grandparents and community members saved the pre-teen’s life.

"The girls lower legs had folded behind her. Members of the community had already helped strip the outside of the machine and a combination of power tools and hand tools had to be used to cut through the barrel to free the girl.

"Once freed medical assistance was done and luckily the girl was found to have suffered no physical injuries."

Jacaranda FM