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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth - Fire Department
602 West Second Street • Duluth, Minnesota 55802
218-730-4400 •www.duluthmn.gov
For more information contact Kelli Latuska,
Public Information Officer at 218-730-5309
DATE: 4/12/2010
SUBJECT: Bridge Rescue
BY: Assistant Fire Chief Erik Simonson

NATURE OF INCIDENT: Bridge Rescue
CASE NO.: 10-002320
INCIDENT DATE: 4/12/2010
INCIDENT TIME: 0256
INCIDENT LOCATION: Blatnik Bridge

At 0256 this morning, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a report of someone in distress on the Blatnik Bridge. Upon arrival, a lone male was found to be in the framework that supports the bridge deck, high above the water.

The Duluth Fire Department worked with the Duluth Police Department, Minnesota Highway Patrol, Minnesota Department of Transportation, United States Coast Guard, Superior Fire Department and Superior Police Department to facilitate the rescue.

The Blatnik Bridge was completely shut down for approximately 90 minutes while Duluth Fire Department Rescue 1 personnel built a rope rigging system that was used to lower two state patrol officers over the side. The officers were then able to access the man and get him into position for rescue.

No injuries were reported, and the Duluth Fire Department commends all agencies involved for what can be described as excellent inter-agency cooperation resulting in a successful outcome.