Multiple Rescue Units from 3 States Rescue Fallen Hiker

Rescuers from three states were in South Carolina Wednesday at Brasstown Falls to help rescue a hiker who had fallen off a cliff.

According to Oconee County Fire Chief Charlie King, it happened Wednesday afternoon just after 3p when the County 911 received a call about a hiker who had fallen about 25 feet down a waterfall.

King said crews hiked in to find the patient and were able to stabilize her injuries.   However, he said they quickly realized removing young girl would prove difficult due to the steep terrain and narrow trails.

Additional help was requested from Oconee County as well as from Rabun County and Glenville-Cashiers, NC.

The agencies worked together to establish several rope systems to aid extracting the injured up the steep terrain.  King said just over 40 personnel worked for more than 2 hours to complete the rescue.

Once back to the parking lot, the female hiker was transported by ground to Oconee Memorial Hospital for non life threatening injuries. Her name has not been released.

One firefighter did sustain minor injuries during the rescue. King said he was treated and released from Oconee Memorial as well.

King said some of the rescue teams involved included Westminster Rescue, Mtn. Rest Rescue, Rabun County Technical Rescue Team, Oconee EMS, Westminster Fire Dept, Oconee Special Rescue and Glenville-Cashiers, NC Rescue Squad.

The name of the victim has not been released.