[Update: Major Injury] Truck Falls Off Cliff Near South Jetty With Two People Inside

A vehicle fell 100 feet down a cliff near Humboldt Bay’s South Jetty just before 8 a.m. today, according to scanner traffic.

There are reportedly two occupants in the vehicle, and one of the occupants is “partially responsive.” Firefighters arrived at the scene and had to “cut a path” to the vehicle.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the vehicle involved in the accident is a truck, but the make and model of the truck has not been made available. We will update this post when we hear more information.

Update 9:25 a.m.: According to CHP, the accident is now considered to be a major-injury accident. A patient was removed from the vehicle and placed in an ambulance. The patient is “breathing.”

Update 9:40 a.m.: According to scanner traffic, an injured woman did not appear to have been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, but they said it was unclear if the occupants had been driving at the time the vehicle fell down the cliff. She was “found in the back of the car, so it looks like she tumbled around a little bit.”

Update 9:45 a.m.: One of the patients was rescued and evacuated from the area by a helicopter.

Update 10 a.m.: According to CHP, the location is “South Jetty Rd / Table Bluff Rd.”

Update 12:50 p.m.: From the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department: 

A challenging rescue operation unfolded on the South Jetty in Loleta this morning requiring a coordinated effort from multiple agencies after a vehicle went over the cliff. The Loleta Fire Department, the primary agency responsible for the area, requested mutual aid, and Ferndale Fire Department responded, sending personnel and specialized equipment to the scene.

The incident involved a vehicle that had plummeted down a steep embankment. Two firefighters, trained in rope rescue techniques, played a crucial role in the operation. They rappelled down the treacherous bank to assist a team of medics already on scene, who were providing care to the two vehicle occupants. The challenging terrain and precarious position of the victims made the rescue complex and required careful coordination between all responding agencies.

The two firefighters worked alongside the medics, providing support and ensuring the safe extrication of the injured individuals. The rescue involved securing the victims and carefully hoisting them down the steep cliff to the awaiting ambulance.

The successful outcome of this difficult rescue showed how well the collaborative spirit and training of the various agencies worked in unison. Ferndale Fire Department would like to recognize the following organizations for their invaluable assistance:Loleta Volunteer Fire Dept, CAL FIRE, Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department, City Ambulance of Eureka, California Highway Patrol, and the United States Coast Guard.

The teamwork and professionalism demonstrated by each agency were essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of the individuals involved. Incidents like this highlight the importance of mutual aid agreements and the dedication of first responders throughout the region.