WILKESON, Wash. — A vehicle rollover near Wilkeson left two men trapped 250 feet down a cliff late Thursday night, prompting a lengthy rescue operation, authorities said.
Emergency responders from the Pierce County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) were dispatched shortly after 10:00 p.m. following an SOS call from a bystander at the crash site near T. Rex Falls, located 12 miles from Wilkeson.
Upon arrival, rescuers encountered two individuals who reported that a 30-year-old man and a 20-year-old man remained trapped inside their vehicle, which had rolled over.
Authorities confirmed that one victim was pinned beneath the engine compartment while the other was ejected and trapped in dense brush.
Rescue operations were hampered by cold, wet, and foggy conditions, leading the PCSO to enlist rope technicians and volunteer search-and-rescue teams for assistance.
One victim was airlifted to a nearby hospital after being hoisted from the crash site by Whidbey Island Search and Rescue, while both individuals received medical attention from firefighters and a doctor on scene.
Both men were ultimately airlifted to local hospitals in stable condition, according to PCSO.
Officials noted that the vehicle would remain at the crash site and not be towed, as crews continued equipment recovery. The rescue effort lasted nearly 11 hours, with multiple agencies involved in the operation.