WILKESON, Wash. — Two men were rescued after a vehicle slid off a road and fell 250 feet late Thursday night, prompting a lengthy rescue operation, authorities said.
Pierce County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) responded to a crash site near T. Rex Falls shortly after 10:00 p.m. after one of the victims used an iPhone SOS call. The site is located 12 miles from Wilkeson in mountainous terrain.
Upon arrival, rescuers found two individuals walking along the road who reported a rollover collision. The driver, a 30-year-old man, and a 20-year-old passenger were still trapped inside the vehicle, located 250 feet down a steep cliff.
PCSO reported one victim was pinned beneath the engine compartment, while the other was ejected and trapped in dense underbrush. Rescue efforts were hampered by cold, wet, and foggy conditions, making access difficult.
Authorities requested rope technicians and volunteer search-and-rescue teams to assist. One victim was airlifted by Whidbey Island SAR and transported to a hospital. Crews, including firefighters and medical personnel, worked to stabilize both victims before airlifting them to local hospitals.
PCSO confirmed that the vehicle will not be towed and will remain in place. Rescue operations lasted nearly 11 hours, with a few personnel staying on site to assist East Pierce Fire and Rescue with equipment recovery.