INDEPENDENCE, CA - In a dramatic and intense rescue operation, a hiker, whose identity remains undisclosed, was saved after being trapped beneath a boulder estimated to weigh between 6,000 and 10,000 pounds for nearly seven harrowing hours in California's Inyo Mountains. The incident unfolded in the short mountain range situated east of the Sierra Nevada in eastern California.
According to a press release from the Inyo County Search and Rescue, the hiker was discovered on a steep hillside, experiencing excruciating pain with his left leg pinned beneath a substantial boulder on Tuesday afternoon. The Inyo County Sheriff's Office promptly alerted the Search and Rescue team, triggering an immediate and vigorous search operation, involving the deployment of a helicopter, to extricate the hiker from the perilous situation.
"Employing a complex system of ropes, pulleys, and leverage, the SAR team successfully maneuvered the boulder, freeing the hiker and providing initial assessment and stabilization of his injuries," stated the rescue service.
Despite the challenges posed by darkness and rugged terrain, the severity of the hiker's injuries necessitated urgent medical attention. A Navy helicopter was utilized to airlift the hiker from the hillside to a hospital in Fresno shortly after midnight.
"Due to the absence of suitable helicopter landing zones in the vicinity, a US Navy medic descended from the helicopter to the scene via rappel. Subsequently, both the injured hiker and the medic were hoisted into the helicopter and flown to Fresno for immediate medical treatment," the press release confirmed.
The intensive rescue efforts concluded at 4 a.m. the following morning when the rescue teams signed off from the operation. Unfortunately, an update regarding the hiker's current condition and the extent of their injuries was not immediately available. Requests for further information from Inyo SAR to USA TODAY remained unanswered at the time of reporting.
The successful and arduous rescue mission stands as a testament to the dedication and unwavering commitment of the emergency response teams who worked tirelessly to ensure the hiker's safety, demonstrating courage and expertise in navigating challenging circumstances to save a life.
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