PORT JERVIS – Units from both Pennsylvania and New York sides of the Delaware River responded to the Mid-Delaware Bridge Tuesday afternoon to assist in rescuing a worker from the top of the estimated 50-to-60-foot-tall metal structure.
An inspector with a crew hired by Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation to complete a scheduled bridge examination had been working near the top of the bridge when the hydraulic lift and bucket he was in became wedged between an area of upper-middle beams. The individual was not injured and remained safely in the bucket as rescuers conducted several attempts to safely bring him down.
First, a Port Jervis Fire Department aerial ladder company attempted to reach the worker through the maze of cross beams. The ladder was unable to complete the mission due to the intricate angles of the beams. Next, an attempt was made with the city’s Department of Public Works bucket truck. Michael Aumick, a member of PJFD’s High Angle Rescue Team, was lifted in the DPW truck’s bucket, which was found not to be long enough to connect for a safe transfer.
Ultimately, it was an Orange and Rockland Utilities larger bucket truck and lift that was able to reach the wedged bucket. The worker, using safety gear provided by rescue responders, was then able to carefully transfer himself between the two. Ropes were operated by team members from the deck of the bridge as the rescue was ongoing.
Once on the ground, about an hour after the initial call for help was sounded, the bridge inspector said he was fine. He admitted being a bit embarrassed by his first safety issue in a 20-year career but was grateful to those who turned out to rescue him.
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply