A woman in California miraculously survived four freezing nights after her car plunged 250 feet into a canyon on Mount Baldy Road in San Bernardino. The incident occurred on January 3 when she lost control of her Ford Ranger while trying to avoid a deer. Authorities have labeled her survival a rare occurrence.
Trapped in her wrecked truck deep in Angeles National Park, the woman endured five days of harsh conditions. However, she was fortunate to have some supplies on hand, including blankets that helped her stay warm amidst the freezing temperatures.
Chris Ayres, a hiker exploring the Angeles National Forest, stumbled upon the stranded woman on Sunday. He noticed an aircraft flying above and heard her desperate cries for help. There was an aircraft flying way up high, and I think she was desperately trying to wave her hands or something, and she was yelling for help, and that’s when I heard her, Ayres explained to ABC 7.
When Ayres discovered her, the woman was injured but conscious. Her condition was dire, and she did not believe she would survive another night. Ayres faced obstacles when attempting to call for help due to poor mobile network coverage. Eventually, he managed to flag down a US Forest Service truck.
Engine Captain Matt Brossard, who happened to be in the Forest Service truck, immediately joined the rescue mission after noticing Ayres. Together, they found the woman trapped in her severely damaged Ford Ranger, with the impact pinning her to the driver’s seat.
A collaborative effort involving firefighters, California Highway Patrol officers, and deputies from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department ensued to free her from the wreckage. They carefully extracted her through the windshield and subsequently airlifted her to a nearby hospital.
Although it is believed she suffered a broken ankle, there are concerns about potential complications such as hypothermia, dehydration, and malnourishment. Captain Ian Thrall from the Fire Department emphasized the woman’s incredible luck since survival in treacherous terrains like these is exceedingly rare.
The rescue operation becomes even more remarkable when considering that no one witnessed the accident, and there was no evidence of the incident on the road. The woman’s fortune was derived from Chris Ayres happening to be present in that specific location and hearing her desperate pleas.
This fortunate turn of events brings attention to the importance of preparedness and having emergency supplies readily available. It serves as a reminder that unforeseen accidents can occur even in relatively safe areas, and being equipped for such situations can make a significant difference in survival.
As this story unfolds, our thoughts are with the woman and her recovery from this traumatic event. Her strength and resilience over those four freezing nights are truly inspiring, and her survival serves as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.
