WILKESON, Wash. — Two individuals were trapped after their vehicle slid off a mountain road and fell 250 feet late Thursday night, prompting an extensive rescue operation, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office (PCSO).
The incident occurred shortly after 10:00 p.m. when one passenger used an iPhone SOS call to alert emergency services. PCSO search and rescue teams responded to the crash site near T. Rex Falls, approximately 12 miles from Wilkeson.
Upon arrival, rescuers found two individuals walking down the road who reported a rollover collision near the mountain summit. They indicated that a 30-year-old man and a 20-year-old man remained trapped inside the vehicle.
PCSO officials stated that one victim was pinned beneath the engine compartment while the other was ejected and trapped in dense brush. Poor weather conditions, including cold temperatures, rain, and fog, hampered access to the location.
Authorities called for additional support from rope technicians and volunteer search-and-rescue teams. One victim was airlifted from the crash site by Whidbey Island Search and Rescue and transported to a hospital.
Rescue crews, including firefighters and medical personnel, worked to stabilize both individuals before transporting them to local hospitals. The PCSO confirmed that both were airlifted as crews worked to clear the scene.
The rescue operation lasted nearly 11 hours, with PCSO thanking several departments for their assistance.