At 2134 hours the Team was called to assist with a vehicle over the side of Highway 120 West Tioga Road approximately 200 feet below the road with 2 occupants. The driver's injuries were relatively minor, but the passenger had significant injuries. Lee Vining Fire was first on scene, and they extricated both subjects. A rope system was constructed to provide mechanical advantage, and with the assistance of the system Lee Vining Fire was able to raise both subjects to the roadside.
Rescue underway. Image by j. Lipman
When the first personnel from MOSAR arrived, the raise was already underway, and the subjects arrived at the roadside soon after. Mono County Medic 2 treated the most seriously injured, and she was transported to the parking area at the Caltrans facility on Conway Summit, where she was transferred to Care Flight and transported to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, NV. The driver was assessed and treated onsite by MOSAR personnel. The operation was terminated at 2309 hours.
Next day vehicle recovery. Image by J. Lipman
Vehicle is viewable, just right of center in the trees. Image by J. Lipman
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Bush Responders: Haugh, Huizingh, Lipman, Mayernick, Kaufman
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue