Rescue workers in an inflatable raft probe around the MnDOT backhoe that fell into swollen Seven Mile Creek along Highway 169 between Mankato and St. Peter, Minn. on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. Authorities are searching for the operator of a backhoe that fell into the Minnesota River while clearing ice jams between St. Peter and Mankato. The Minnesota Department of Transportation reports that a backhoe was "washed into the river." MnDOT spokeswoman Chris Krueger says the backhoe operator was clearing ice jams.
AP Photo/The Mankato Free Press, John Cross
Authorities say a backhoe operator is
presumed dead after his machine was swept into the Minnesota River
while clearing debris between St. Peter and Mankato.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation identifies the
maintenance worker as Michael Struck, 39, a nine-year
employee with the department.
MnDOT says Struck was clearing debris near Seven Mile Creek on
Highway 169 when his backhoe apparently was pulled into the
floodwaters.
WCCO-TV reports officials say currents are so dangerous, the
dive team can't go into the river safely. But searchers will use
boats to look in backwaters.
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The Free Press of Mankato says the accident was reported just
before noon Tuesday near Seven Mile Creek Park.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Gallery
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Rescue workers in an inflatable raft probe around the MnDOT backhoe that fell into swollen Seven Mile Creek along Highway 169 between Mankato and St. Peter, Minn. on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. Authorities are searching for the operator of a backhoe that fell into the Minnesota River while clearing ice jams between St. Peter and Mankato. The Minnesota Department of Transportation reports that a backhoe was "washed into the river." MnDOT spokeswoman Chris Krueger says the backhoe operator was clearing ice jams.
AP Photo/The Mankato Free Press, John Cross
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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers head out to search for a missing MnDOT worker in flooded Seven Mile Creek Park on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 near St. Peter, Minn.
