A hiker miraculously survived a 200m cliff fall after landing in tree branches.
The 26-year-old man was trekking an unmarked trail with friends on 26 April when he accidentally fell.
Luckily, after dropping around six to seven metres, he was caught in tree branches.
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However, he remained in a precarious position, at constant risk of slipping further into a 200m (656ft) ravine in Gongyi, China.
A member of the Gongyi Blue Sky Rescue team said he and colleagues were training nearby when they received reports of the fall.
He told local media: “Training immediately turned into a real rescue operation.”
After locating the hiker, rescuers quickly realised it would be impossible to reach him using conventional methods.
They carried out a high-angle rope descent to access the man, administering first aid and securing him with safety ropes and protective equipment.
The team then stabilised him – he had suffered multiple fractures, as well as injuries to his eyes, forehead and lower back – before placing him on a stretcher.
Rescuers spent more than four hours lowering him from the cliff and transferring him to hospital.
They said the near-vertical drop, slippery rock faces, falling debris and strong winds made the operation extremely difficult.
Several rescuers were also injured by dense, thorny vegetation at the site, as reported by Need To Know.
They urged the public never to enter prohibited or undeveloped dangerous areas, to inform others of planned routes, and to carry essential emergency supplies such as warm clothing, communication devices, lighting and high-energy food.
They also warned hikers not to deviate from planned routes in order to avoid getting lost.
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