Daring Rescue After Man Falls From Cliff
Published: May 26, 2006
A man is in intensive care after falling about 70 feet from a cliff in Huntingdon County, forcing rescuers to make a challenging and daring rescue.
Officials said the victim is recovering at Altoona Hospital, but asked that his name not be released pending notification of his family.
Emergency workers were lowered about seven stories in the dark to the rock ledge where the man landed just after 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Crews, already challenged by the darkness, had to lower the victim another 175 feet to railroad tracks where a medical helicopter planned to land. However, a train began to approach, forcing the helicopter to assist by providing light as a guide to a waiting ambulance. Workers then said trees and brush were so thick that the light wasn’t effective.
The victim was eventually taken by ambulance to J.C. Blair Hospital then flown to Altoona Hospital with severe head injuries.
The cliffs, in the Highland section of the county, are a popular and scenic location often utilized for photos and rappelling.
One resident said it seems as though falls occur about once a year, but most residents still don’t view the cliffs as a danger.
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