People assist man during a seizure

By Sarah Kirchner, staff writer

A man riding a bicycle hit a passing van at 1:45 p.m. Monday at the corner of South First Avenue and Belmont Street. He fell to the ground and experienced a seizure, said a witness.

Joel Burke, 55, of Albert Lea ran a stop sign as he was riding his bicycle and hit the side of a white, unmarked 2002 Ford van driven by Lawrence Klukow, 77, of Walnut Shade, Mo., as the van traveled south on First Avenue, according to police reports.

Burke was transported to the Albert Lea Medical Center for unknown injuries.

Bruce Burgdorf&8217;s mother was outside on the front step of her home near the intersection when she saw the crash. She yelled to Burgdorf, who was outside mowing the lawn, to get blankets. The two put the blankets under Burke to keep him safe from scratches and prevent him from hitting his head on the street as he seized.

After the episode Burke seemed to be OK, Burgdorf said.

&8220;He came out of it and he got up,&8221; he said.

Lucky for Burke the Burgdorfs were prepared; they have a family member with a history of seizures.

&8220;We were well equipped and knew what to do,&8221; Burgdorf said.

The bicyclist and his bicycle left a scratch less than a foot long on the driver&8217;s side of the van, near the rear wheel well.

Burgdorf said first responders were on the scene shortly after they called 911.

South First Avenue was temporarily blocked off at Front Street as police and emergency medical technicians helped the bicyclist. Even though he appeared to be all right after the episode, he was still transported to Albert Lea Medical Center to get checked.

The Albert Lea Police Department and ALMC ambulance responded.