NATIONAL NEWS

Father, son rescued after crashing down 500-foot cliff

Apr 13, 2022, 11:07 AM | Updated: Feb 13, 2023, 2:50 pm

A Rancho Cordova father and son were rescued after their car plunged 500 feet down a cliff along Hi...

A Rancho Cordova father and son were rescued after their car plunged 500 feet down a cliff along Highway 49 in Mariposa County. (Mariposa County Sheriff's Office/KOVR via CNN)

(Mariposa County Sheriff's Office/KOVR via CNN)

RANCHO CORDOVA, California (KOVR) — A Rancho Cordova father and son were rescued after their car plunged 500 feet down a cliff along Highway 49 in Mariposa County.

The outcome could have been tragic had it not been for a quick response. This happened on Monday at the height of the region’s wild weather.

Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremey Briese said that “quick response” is all thanks to the sharp eye of a firefighter, who just happened to be passing by.

The roads were a mess, but a firefighter with Cal Fire who was heading back from a call noticed a road marker was down and pulled over to figure out why.

The California Highway Patrol said Scott Anderson, 51, was traveling with his son, 11, when he lost control of his Toyota while making a turn in the rain. The car flipped several times before tumbling into a ditch out of sight.

“The Cal Fire employee noticed signs of possibly a traffic accident or this delineator down,” the sheriff said. “They’re brave actions and their skills were able to find this vehicle.”

The four-hour operation complicated by rain and steep terrain was pulled off by sheer heroics on a highway where trouble can easily hide.

“The area that this car went off is an extremely steep canyon and it’s an extremely rural area of the county,” Sheriff Briese said.

A small army of search and rescue teams muscled through the mission to pull a father a son up the 500-foot cliff.

“I know the ropes they were using were 600-foot ropes, and once they reached the patients, they had about 100 feet left,” Sheriff Briese said.

We’re told Anderson and his son suffered moderate injuries. At last check, they were still in nearby hospitals. Investigators say both were wearing their seatbelts.

“Definitely, somebody was looking out for them,” Sheriff Briese said.

The CHP said alcohol or drugs are not factors in the crash.


The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

Consumers hunting for Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies this year can expect sticker shock...

John Towfighi, CNN

As cocoa prices soar this Easter, chocolatiers consider alternatives

Consumers hunting for Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies this year can expect sticker shock.

2 hours ago

Post reading "Wall Street"...

Stan Choe, AP Business Writer

Stock market today: Wall Street rises to more records to close out its latest winning month

The stock market has been on a nearly unstoppable run since late October, and the S&P 500 just capped its fifth straight winning month.

3 hours ago

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: Larry David, comedian, writer, actor, and television producer loo...

Alli Rosenbloom, CNN

Don’t bother Larry David with menial pleasantries. He’s not interested

Just like the version of himself that he plays on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” there are some things in life that Larry David can’t be bothered with.

3 hours ago

FILE - President Joe Biden, accompanied by first lady Jill Biden blows his whistle for the start of...

Darlene Superville, Associated Press

The White House expects about 40,000 participants at its ‘egg-ucation’-themed Easter egg roll

The White House says it's getting ready to welcome 40,000 people to its annual Easter Egg Roll.

3 hours ago

FILE: A Polestar electric car prepares to park at an EV charging station on July 28, 2023 in Corte ...

Alexa St. John, Matthew Daly and Joshua A. Bickel

Federal EV charging stations are key to Biden’s climate agenda, yet only 4 states have them

President Biden has set a goal of creating a national network of 500,000 publicly available chargers by 2030.

6 hours ago

A new draft law looks to prohibit the breeding of dogs with “skeletal anomalies,” such as dachs...

Nadine Schmidt, Claudia Otto and Frederik Pleitgen, CNN

Dachshunds under threat as Germany proposes ban on breeding

No more dachshunds? A new draft law looks to prohibit the breeding of dogs with “skeletal anomalies.”

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Father, son rescued after crashing down 500-foot cliff