WILKESON, Wash. — A late-night vehicle rollover near Wilkeson resulted in a significant rescue operation, with two individuals trapped after their vehicle slid off the road and fell 250 feet, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office (PCSO).
The incident occurred shortly after 10:00 p.m. Thursday when one occupant activated an iPhone SOS call, prompting PCSO search and rescue teams to respond to the crash site near T. Rex Falls, approximately 12 miles from Wilkeson.
Upon arrival, rescuers discovered two individuals walking toward them, who reported that a 30-year-old man and a 20-year-old man remained inside the vehicle. The vehicle had rolled over and landed down a cliff, with one victim pinned beneath the engine compartment and the other trapped in dense brush.
Challenging weather conditions, characterized by cold temperatures, wetness, and fog, complicated the rescue efforts. The PCSO called in rope technicians and volunteer search-and-rescue teams to aid in the operation. One victim was hoisted from the site by Whidbey Island Search and Rescue and transported to a hospital via helicopter.
Both victims were stabilized at the scene by crews, which included firefighters and a physician, before being airlifted to local hospitals. Search-and-rescue personnel will remain on site to assist East Pierce Fire and Rescue with equipment recovery.
The vehicle involved in the incident will not be towed and will remain at the location. The rescue operation lasted nearly 11 hours, with PCSO expressing gratitude to several agencies that contributed to the effort.