DIDSBURY – A Didsbury couple were taken to hospital after their car went off the road and rolled down a steep embankment in the Water Valley area on Nov. 21.
The single vehicle incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. near the Fallen Creek South Recreation Area. Police and emergency personnel responded to the scene the next morning.
The 41-year-old male had injuries to his legs, while the 42-year-old female driver had a broken collarbone. Both were taken to hospital, the passenger by STARS and the driver by ground ambulance, both with broken bones.
“As a result of their injuries, lack of information about where they were or how far it was back to the roadway, and lack of cellphone service, they decided to stay in place overnight,” Cochrane RCMP said in a press release. “A high angle rope rescue was conducted by Cochrane Fire Dept. with Ghost Fire Dept.”
Cochrane EMS reported the vehicle landed approximately 200 feet from the road, and while the two people were able to get themselves out of the vehicle, they were unable to contact emergency services until the morning.
“In the meantime they were able to start a fire for warmth and to signal emergency services,” said Stuart Brideaux, public education officer with Alberta Health Services in a press release.
EMS requested STARS to attend the scene due to the distance from the city and length of time between the actual incident and emergency services being contacted.
“Given the dense nature of the terrain where the actual incident occurred, STARS landed east of the scene on an available section of rural road,” said Brideaux.
Police are continuing to investigate; however, alcohol does not appear to be a factor.
Attempts to get comments from the injured parties were not successful at press time.
- with files from Jenna Dulewich, Cochrane Eagle
"They were able to start a fire for warmth and to signal emergency services."Stuart BrideauxAlberta Health Services
