WILKESON, Wash. — Two men were seriously injured after their vehicle rolled off a road and fell 250 feet in Wilkeson late Thursday, prompting a lengthy rescue operation, authorities said.
Emergency responders were dispatched shortly after 10:00 p.m. when one of the victims used an iPhone SOS feature to call for help. The Pierce County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) reported that the crash site, located near T. Rex Falls, is approximately 12 miles from Wilkeson in the mountainous area.
Upon arrival, rescue teams encountered two individuals walking down the road who indicated that the driver, a 30-year-old man, and a 20-year-old male passenger were still trapped inside the overturned vehicle. One victim was pinned beneath the engine compartment, while the other was found ejected and trapped in dense brush.
Weather conditions, characterized by cold temperatures and fog, complicated the rescue efforts. The PCSO requested assistance from rope technicians and volunteer search-and-rescue teams. One victim was airlifted from the scene by Whidbey Island SAR and transported to a local hospital.
Firefighters and medical personnel worked to stabilize both victims, who were subsequently airlifted to hospitals for further treatment. The PCSO noted that the vehicle would remain at the crash site and not be towed.
The rescue operation lasted nearly 11 hours, with several agencies assisting throughout the incident.