Edhat Staff
Photos: SBCFD
By edhat staff
One person sustained serious injuries after falling into a rocky culvert near Painted Cave late Thursday evening.
Santa Barbara County firefighters and a Search & Rescue team responded to the 2700 block of Painted Cave Road for a fall victim at 11:14 p.m.
Crews arrived on scene and after a lengthy search discovered the victim had fallen 25 to 30 feet into a rocky culvert. A high angle rope rescue system was used to access the victim who was determined to have suffered critical injuries.
They were brought to the top of the culvert and transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital via ground ambulance.
Crews remained on the scene to clean up the area.
Sounds bad. I hope the patient will be okay. May s/he recover quickly. Too many people out walking trails and such, clueless. All it takes is not knowing the area and one slip of the foot.
Yeah I agree – what a clown move. I don’t mean to be cruel since he’s in “critical” condition but accidents happen, usually to those who should know better these days – not kids or youngsters. Grown adults. We’re seeing so many damn rescues for “hikers” getting themselves into problems.
Bet that’s the last satanic ritual he goes to
I think many of these rescues are for people who couldn’t handle their edibles, or ate the whole cookie/brownie/crisp/choco and then made stupid decisions. I once ate a whole cookie because I thought I could handle it…..good thing I was at home and didn’t have to deal with anyone, let alone navigate rocky terrain in the dark.
Until I actually know some facts, I’ll resist victim shaming.
Haha yeah ive seen edibles floor some people who fancied themselves seasoned pot smokers. Never tried them myself. That said, lets not rule the all-important ‘perfect selfie’ out of the possible causes just yet.
5:21 – Thank you for that. This was a tragic accident that happened on private property. Not a lost, bewildered hiker.
That culvert looks like it could use a guard rail.
Texting?
I smoke/vape and eat edibles but would never do that and go climbing/hiking in the dark. Not all potheads are carefree idiots. Hope this guy makes a full recovery.
Wow – every time there is a hiker rescue, you armchair curmudgeons start up. Have you never tripped or lost your footing? ever? Even when you are only walking from your computer to the fridge and back all day… Maybe we can try a little sympathy.
Yeah, better Guard Rail all of Nature, seems dangerous in our Natural Environent
A guard rail at this location may be a bit much, but certainly some sort of signage such as “DANGER: Steep Cliff”, “WARNING – Drop Off”, or a pictograph showing a person falling into a hole. Might save a few people from harming themselves or those who have to go out to rescue these people time and time again.