San Bernardino County Fire crews responded on July 19 to a report of a vehicle over the side of Highway 18 below Crestline. A passenger vehicle left the roadway at a turnout and plunged approximately 100 feet down steep mountain terrain, coming to rest on its side in a grove of trees.
Fortunately, a passerby witnessed the incident and called 911. The vehicle came to rest in a heavily wooded area, hidden beneath a dense tree canopy and barely visible from the highway.
First arriving crews had to hike uphill to locate the vehicle and assess the victim. Given the steep and rugged terrain, the decision was made to perform a technical rope rescue. Firefighters utilized a rope system and stokes basket to safely bring the victim up to a different section of Highway 18, where an awaiting paramedic ambulance was staged.
Operations were complicated by darkness, challenging terrain and the need to close one lane of the highway to accommodate rescue rigging and apparatus.
The sole occupant of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. No other parties were involved. No firefighter injuries were reported.
Responding units included two engines, one rescue unit, one paramedic ambulance, one battalion chief and one public information officer.
San Bernardino County Fire would like to thank Cal Fire, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway Patrol for their assistance.
Using a stokes basket, a County Fire crew brought the sole occupant of the vehicle up to a waiting ambulance.
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