A 48-year-old hiker slipped and fell about a kilometre up the mountain at Vergenoeg Nature Reserve & Hiking Trail on Saturday morning. He sustained a broken leg.
According to Victor Schipper of Vergenoeg, the hiker decided to turn back during the hike and slipped on his way down.
“We contacted rescue organisations and the response was unbelievable. Hartbeespoort Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) was on the scene first, followed by members of the Mountain Club South Africa (MCSA) and SARZA Search and Rescue,” he said.
Schipper said approximately 25 people, including HEMS paramedics, climbed up the mountain to reach the injured hiker.
Because of the terrain where the hiker had fallen, a helicopter could not be used. Instead, the rescue team carried him down the mountain to the bottom, from where he was transported by HEMS to hospital.
“From everyone at Vergenoeg Nature Reserve, thank you to HEMS, MCSA and SARZA. Your dedication makes a real difference, and our community is stronger because of you,” Schipper said.
