ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A person was airlifted to a hospital Sunday after falling roughly 35 to 40 feet at a waterfall on private property in the Broad River area, according to local emergency officials.
Broad River Fire & Rescue said crews were dispatched around 6 p.m. for reports of a fall that resulted in possible traumatic injuries. First responders found the patient complaining of hip and wrist pain.
Personnel from Black Mountain, Garren Creek, Fairview and Henderson County Rescue assisted with stabilizing the patient and carrying them out of the remote area. The individual was flown by helicopter to Mission Hospital approximately three hours after the initial call.
Officials said about 30 to 35 emergency personnel were involved in the rescue. No further details on the patient’s condition were immediately available.
Authorities reiterated that the area where the fall occurred is marked with “No Trespassing,” “Private Property” and “No Parking” signs. They urged the public to avoid the site, emphasizing the risks to visitors and first responders.
“It’s not a public park,” Broad River Fire & Rescue said in a statement. “Even prior to [Tropical Storm] Helene, it was a dangerous area. When people go into areas like this they’re not only putting themselves in harms way they are risking rescue personnel many of whom are volunteers. The area now following Helene is much more dangerous and who knows what is in the river beds.”
Local agencies, including the N.C. Department of Transportation, State Highway Patrol, law enforcement and property owners, have been asked to assist in limiting access to the site.