WILKESON, Wash. — Two individuals were rescued after their vehicle slid off a road and fell 250 feet late Thursday night, prompting an extensive operation, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office (PCSO).
Emergency responders received an iPhone SOS call shortly after 10:00 p.m. and dispatched search and rescue teams to the crash site near T. Rex Falls, approximately 12 miles from Wilkeson.
Upon arrival, rescuers encountered two individuals walking on the road who reported that a 30-year-old man and a 20-year-old man were still trapped in their vehicle, located down a cliff.
PCSO confirmed that one victim was pinned beneath the engine compartment, while the other had been ejected and became trapped in dense brush. The challenging weather conditions, characterized by cold temperatures, heavy fog, and rain, complicated the rescue efforts.
Authorities requested additional assistance from rope technicians and volunteer search-and-rescue teams. One victim was hoisted from the site and flown to a separate hospital by Whidbey Island SAR.
Firefighters and a doctor worked to stabilize both individuals before they were airlifted to local hospitals, PCSO reported. A few search-and-rescue personnel will remain at the scene to assist with equipment recovery.
PCSO stated that the overturned vehicle will not be towed and will remain in place. The rescue operation lasted nearly 11 hours, and PCSO acknowledged the collaboration of multiple departments involved in the efforts.