A teenage hiker has miraculously survived after accidentally falling 400-foot from a bridge.
The 19-year-old was walking along a former trail on Saturday (25 May) when he slipped and fell down the side of a canyon.
The unnamed teen was trekking along the High Steel Bridge in Mason County, Washington – one of the tallest railroad bridges in the US.
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He was with friends when he fell to the bottom of the canyon by the river.
His pal had spotted him drop and immediately called the Mason County Sheriff’s office, who sent out a special operations rescue team.
During the two-hour rescue, deputies and firefighters used a rope and harness to scale the bridge and rescue the teenager.
He reportedly sustained scrapes to both of his arms and was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
In a post shared by Mason County Sheriff’s office, a spokesperson said: “A 19-year-old male had fallen approximately 400 feet down the side of the canyon at the High Steel Bridge.
“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Special Operations Rescue Team, he was rescued and sustained only minimal injuries.
“The team worked diligently to ensure a safe and successful operation.
“We are grateful for their swift and professional response.”
They also shared images of them bringing the boy up on a harness, and at the ambulance.
One viewer, Janelle, commented: “He’s so fortunate to be okay.”
Jon said: “Why do people still do this? Good job and respect to the rescue team and other first responders.”
Jill wrote: “All of the trails have posted warnings and people continue to ignore them.”
“Very lucky young man. Not a place to play around,” added Geri.
“Thankfully he is alive and it turned out to be a rescue and not a recovery,” said Samantha.
“How did he survive a 400-foot drop,” commented Kayleigh.
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