Biker survives horrific fall

A BIKER, believed to be from Johannesburg, was involved in a dramatic six hour rescue after he fell down a cliff in the Valley of 1000 Hills on Saturday.

According to Werner Vermaak, media spokesman for ER24, the biker was participating in a sporting event in the area. “It is not clear exactly what caused the man to crash down the embankment, but it’s understood that he fell about 600 meters down the steep slope of the mountainous terrain,” said Vermaak.

Due to the rough terrain and unmarked dirt roads, paramedics had to be escorted by a local guide in the area. “Once the paramedics reached the location they identified that it would be too risky to try and carry the patient up the embankment as paramedics had to walk majority of the route to access the man,” added Vermaak.

The South African Police Services (SAPS) were contacted and asked to assist with the rescue. “The SAPS rescue helicopter transported the 41-year-old man to an area where he was treated and stabilised. Fortunately, the rider did not sustain any critical injuries and was treated for injuries to his shoulder and legs,” concluded Vermaak.

Another motorbike rider is in critical condition after being found almost 12 hours after he crashed his bike in Cliffdale Road in Shongweni during the weekend.

A passing motorist found the rider, who is believed to be in his 50’s, lying several metres away from his bike and immediately contact emergency services.

“When paramedics arrived at the scene, they found the man with critical injuries including possible head and chest injuries. Due to his condition, a medical helicopter was called in to airlift the man from the scene to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital,” said Vermaak.

According to Vermaak, it was only discovered later on that the man was reported missing the previous evening when he did not return home.