Man rescued after vehicle goes off-road into 25-foot deep pipeline trench

A 59-year-old man was rescued Saturday after he drove off the road and the vehicle was stuck in a 25-foot deep trench in Sherburne County.

According to the Big Lake Fire Department, at around 2:30 p.m., they were dispatched to a vehicle in a 25-foot deep trench off of Highway 10 and County 14.

When the fire crews arrived at the scene, the vehicle was wedge on top of metal pillars with the driver trapped inside.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol and fire officials, 59-year-old Richard Nelson from Red Wing was driving the vehicle but suffered from a medical emergency when he went into the trench.

Nelson was removed from the vehicle safely and transported to St. Cloud Hospital. His injuries are considered to be not life-threatening.

The fire department said below the vehicle ran a 750 pound per square inch main gas line and that if it gets hit, it could rupture and cause injuries to people around the line.

The vehicle was removed with the help of Bob’s Towing and Collins Brothers Towing without any damage to the pressurized gas main, said Big Lake Fire Department.

The State Patrol stated that Nelson was wearing a seat belt and no alcohol was involved in the incident.