Woman drives into Minnesota River in Bloomington, calls 911 and is rescued

The incident occurred about 4 a.m. near where I-35W crosses the river.

December 2, 2016 at 2:38AM
Emergency personnel responded to a car in a river in Bloomington.
Emergency personnel responded to a car in a river in Bloomington. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A vehicle went into the Minnesota River early Thursday in Bloomington, but the driver's call to 911 brought her rescuers to the scene, authorities said.

The incident occurred about 4 a.m. near where Interstate 35W crosses the Minnesota River, according to the Fire Department.

The woman was conscious when rescued and hospitalized for mild to moderate hypothermia, said Fire Chief Ulysses Seal. Her identity was not disclosed.

"The woman actually called 911 from her cell after she had initially driven into the river," Seal explained in an e-mail to the Star Tribune. "The woman got out of the car on her own and managed to drift/swim to shore," where two officers pulled her out of the water, Seal said.

Fire personnel then wrapped her in blankets, placed her in a basket-type stretcher, put her in a boat and ferried her to the launch ahead of her trip to the hospital, the chief said.

Authorities have not explained how the woman and her car ended up in the river.

about the writer

about the writer

Paul Walsh

Reporter

Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

See More