Firefighter injured during rescue of lost hikers
A Honolulu firefighter fell 15 feet and was taken to a local hospital during the attempted rescue of two lost hikers in bad weather on the Koolau ridge line above the H-3 freeway in Moanalua Valley early this morning.
The firefighter’s injuries were not life threatening and he was treated and released this morning, a Fire Department spokesman said in an e-mail.
The rescue operations were suspended overnight after rescue crews reached the women and resumed this morning.
The incident began at about 8:49 p.m. Wednesday night, when two women in their twenties reported that they were lost, disoriented and unable to find their way down.
Four fire companies and 12 firefighters responded and learned the women were uninjured and in a safe location.
The women were told to remain in place.
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Because of the wet and windy weather, the Fire Department helicopter was unavailable to help.
Rescue crews reached the women on foot at about 10 p.m.
The firefighter was injured at about 1:30 a.m., after falling 15 feet. Other rescue personnel brought the injured firefighter back down the trail.
7 responses to “Firefighter injured during rescue of lost hikers”
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Reckless and irresponsible hikers endangering the lives of rescue personnel is unacceptable.
I agree! Thank goodness the FF was not seriously injured.
It was just a matter of time when this would happen. Sooner or later, the Rescuers themselves would get injured from these people’s inconsideration. How sad! They should make these hikers pay for the Rescuers medical bills.
Sadly, this already occurred in 1995 HFD helicopter crash killing two HPD officers plus the pilot. Three lives was a heavy price to pay. Too bad most careless or ill-prepared hikers have no idea the risk a life saving mission can entail.
The best way to discourage hiking is to place a toll booth in front of every trail.
I hope they charge these (2) stupid girls. I’m so glad that he wasn’t hurt. I agree that these stupid people are just plain dumb. Their names are dumb and dummier. These FF are someone’s son, daughter, father, mother, uncle, aunty, so remember this.
Maybe now the City gotta think about charging lost hikers for rescues. Good job, HFD.