Fla. Woman Becomes Stranded on Raised Drawbridge

A Florida woman had to be rescued by the fire department after she became stuck on a draw bridge more than 20 feet in the air.

The woman, identified as Wanda McGowan by ABC News affiliate WPLG-TV in Miami, had taken part in a 5k walk for a breast cancer charity earlier in the day. As she crossed the railroad bridge, which is not made for pedestrians, it rose and McGowan became trapped.

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In video of the incident McGowan can be seen clutching the railroad ties in her pink T-shirt as onlookers call for help.

"She was hanging on for dear life," Anna Matlack, who witnessed the incident, told WPLG-TV.

The bridge McGowan was walking across is operated remotely and has a sign that warns pedestrians not to trespass. It's unclear why McGowan was crossing the bridge.

After the bridge raised, multiple witnesses called 911 for help. Firefighters dispatched to the scene were able to get McGowan down via a 24-foot ladder.

After about 20 minutes, McGowan was able to safely climb down. According to witnesses, she never let go of her bright pink handbag.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.