ROCHESTER — A woman was fatally struck by a snowplow Friday morning, Feb. 24, 2023, in southeast Rochester.
At 8:54 a.m., Rochester Police were dispatched to the area of Pinewood Road and 20th Avenue Southeast for a report of a snowplow hitting a pedestrian. Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol said a city of Rochester snowplow was actively plowing snow, and it backed up and struck the female pedestrian.
Officers on scene confirmed the woman was killed in the incident, said Jenna Bowman, the City of Rochester's strategic communications and engagement director.
A medical examiner and chaplain were called to the scene.
The plow involved in the death is owned and operated by the City of Rochester. The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the crash.
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In a press conference Friday at City Hall, Mayor Kim Norton said the city's "deepest sympathies and condolences" are with the deceased person and their loved ones.
Norton and city officials had no new information to share at the press conference, saying Minnesota State Patrol will share findings as the agency investigates, including the events that led up to the incident. Norton and other city officials didn't take questions from the media.
Bowman said the city is "moving through typical processes," as it does with any incident. The policies include the rules and regulations provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Department of Transportation, and the City of Rochester, Bowman clarified Friday afternoon.
Bowman said the city employee involved in the incident has been placed on paid administrative leave.
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