National News Briefs

CATSKILL, N.Y. -- A workman fell 162 feet from the Rip Van Winkle Bridge into the Hudson River Tuesday and lived, police said.

James Murphy, 20, of Catskill, was part of a work crew painting the bridge. He was returning from lunch when he slipped from the structure that spans the Hudson River connecting Greene and Columbia Counties, authorities said.

Murphy fell into about five feet of water and suffered a broken arm and leg and back injuries, authorities said. He was listed in satisfactory condition at Greene County Memorial Hospital.