Man injured in fall from cliff
CONNELLSVILLE TWP. – An unidentified man suffered several broken bones and internal injuries after he fell nearly 80 feet from a cliff in the Casparis area. Township fire Chief Dwayne Krumanacker said the 54-year-old and three other individuals had been exploring the caves of the popular mountainous area on Sunday when the accident took place near Lookout Point.
“Apparently he fell about 8:30 p.m., but we did not get the call until 1:30 a.m. (Monday),” said Krumanacker. “I understand they weren’t familiar with the area and had to find their way to a residence to make the call for help.”
Lookout Point is approximately 5 miles from any populated area, added Krumanacker.
The rescue required several members of the fire department to rappel over the cliff and then secure the man in a Stokes basket.
“He was conscious and talking to us,” said Krumanacker.
The rescue team then lifted him to safety and transported him by ambulance to an awaiting StatMedivac helicopter. He was taken to UPMC Hospital in Pittsburgh.
No information was available on his condition.
Krumanacker said a similar incident took place approximately 8 years ago, when a teenager stepped backwards off the cliff.
“It’s a very popular place, but it can be very dangerous if you’re not careful,” said Krumanacker.
In addition to Connellsville Township, Fayette EMS also responded to the scene. Personnel from South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Department assisted with preparing the landing zone for StatMedivac.