HASTINGS, Mich. (WZZM) - A construction worker painting the new Michigan Avenue bridge in Hastings had to be rescued after falling into the Thornapple River.
At about 11:45am Friday, the 57-year-old man was pulled from the river about 100 feet downstream from the bridge. He had been submerged for about five minutes. Hastings Police say that rescue crews from Hastings Fire Department, Mercy Ambulance and others were able to get the man to be breathing again on his own. He was flown by AeroMed to the hospital where his condition is still life-threatening.
Rescue crews say that the man was wearing "hip-wader" boots that filled with water after he fell in the river and that contributed to him being pulled under.
We'll have more information as it becomes available.