Woman Rescued After Car Plunges off West Virginia Cliff: Maryland State Police
A young woman was successfully rescued by the Maryland State Police Aviation crew after her car veered off a cliff in West Virginia. The dramatic incident occurred on Tuesday when the 19-year-old lost control of her vehicle, causing it to roll down a 70-foot embankment near the Maryland state line, ultimately coming to rest above the Cacapon River.
The immediate concern was the woman’s safety. Trapped inside her car, she required urgent assistance due to the steep terrain, the severity of her injuries, and the precarious positioning of the vehicle in the ravine. Paramedics quickly arrived on the scene and treated her injuries before initiating a daring rescue operation.
Given the challenging topography, an aerial rescue was deemed necessary to ensure a swift and safe extraction. Pilot officers from Trooper 5, Cumberland Section, skillfully maneuvered their August AW139 helicopter approximately 130 feet above the rocky landscape. A trooper/paramedic was then expertly lowered down to the scene.
Working in collaboration with the Great Cacapon Volunteer Fire Co., as well as rescue teams from Allegany and Washington counties, the trooper/paramedic skillfully secured the woman in a patient extrication platform. With utmost care, she was placed in an inflatable raft and floated down the Cacapon River to an accessible hoisting point.
Following the successful aerial extraction, the woman was swiftly flown to the distinguished R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore for further medical treatment.
The efforts of the Maryland State Police Aviation crew, alongside the dedicated responders from multiple departments, undoubtedly saved the young woman’s life. Their professionalism, coordination, and courage in the face of danger must be commended.
It is worth noting that accidents of this nature can have devastating consequences. Driving on unfamiliar roads, especially in challenging or treacherous conditions, requires utmost caution and vigilance. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety protocols and the necessity for drivers to remain alert.
As we move forward, it is hoped that discussions regarding further safety measures in areas prone to accidents, such as cliffs, will gain momentum. Ensuring signage, guardrails, and other precautionary measures are in place can help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Maryland State Police Aviation crew’s unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the community has once again been exemplified in this harrowing rescue operation. Their bravery and expertise continue to inspire gratitude and admiration.
