A demanding Sunday evening kept rescue teams across the Western Cape on high alert as three separate mountain emergencies unfolded on Table Mountain and in the Helderberg Nature Reserve.
The incidents, which included two injured hikers and the recovery of a deceased hiker, triggered a large-scale multi-agency response involving Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR), emergency medical personnel, reserve staff and volunteers.
The first callout was received shortly before 4:30 pm after a 36-year-old hiker injured her ankle while descending Platteklip Gorge on Table Mountain. According to rescuers, the woman reportedly jumped down a large rock step about one-third of the way down the trail before landing awkwardly and injuring her ankle.
Unable to continue hiking, her companions contacted emergency services.
Rescuers, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedics, SANParks Honorary Rangers and Table Mountain National Park rangers were transported to the upper cable station by the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway before hiking down to reach the patient.
After receiving treatment on scene, the injured hiker was secured into a rescue stretcher and carefully carried down the mountain by a large rescue team. She was later transported to hospital for further medical treatment. The operation concluded at approximately 10:40 pm.
While teams were still deploying to Table Mountain, rescuers received a second emergency call from the Helderberg Nature Reserve.
A 22-year-old trail runner had reportedly slipped while descending from West Peak and suffered an impalement injury after falling onto an exposed metal spike.
Reserve staff responded quickly and managed to safely transport the injured runner down the trail to waiting medics at the base. That rescue operation concluded shortly after 6:20 pm.
A third incident then unfolded on Table Mountain while additional rescuers were still assisting in Platteklip Gorge.
Passengers aboard the cable car reportedly witnessed a hiker falling from a rock face on the mountain, prompting nearby rescue teams and EMS personnel to divert immediately to the scene.
Sadly, the hiker was declared deceased despite the rapid response efforts.
Rescue teams carefully secured the body into a stretcher before carrying the remains to a point below the cableway. Technical rescue crews aboard the cable car then assisted in safely hoisting the stretcher from the mountain before handing the deceased over to SAPS officials at the lower station. The recovery operation concluded shortly before 10 pm.
WSAR extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and wished both injured patients a speedy recovery.
The organisation also praised the coordinated efforts of volunteer rescuers, medics, reserve staff, SAPS officials and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway team, whose combined response ensured that all three incidents were managed swiftly and professionally.
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