US Teen Falls from 37-Story Bridge... Only Scratched Arm, Otherwise 'Fine'

"An Incredibly Lucky Case"

A teenage boy fell while walking on a railroad bridge in Washington State, USA. The boy fell 122 meters into a canyon but miraculously survived without serious injuries.

According to NBC News on the 27th, the teenager, identified as A, fell into the canyon below while passing a hiking trail under the 'High Steel Bridge,' the largest railroad bridge in the United States, on the 25th (local time).

High Steel Bridge where Mr. A fell [Image source=High Steel Bridge official website, USA]

The High Steel Bridge, where A fell, is an arch-shaped railroad bridge located in Washington State. It has a total length of 209 meters and stands about 122 meters above the ground, earning it the nickname "the highest bridge in the United States." The distance between the canyon crossing under the bridge and the bridge itself is said to be equivalent to a 37-story high-rise apartment building.

The Mason County Sheriff's Office, which conducted the rescue operation, reported that although A fell from a height of 122 meters, he was rescued with only minor injuries to his arm. A was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Firefighters first climbed the bridge and then lowered ropes and harnesses (equipment used to secure the body to the rope) down into the canyon to pull A up. The rescue operation took two hours.

The path where A fell was already closed due to being a hazardous area. The Sheriff's Office explained that although the path is steep and slippery and warning signs indicating danger are posted in many places, people sometimes enter the path without noticing them.

There are 5 to 7 fall accidents on this path every year, most of which are fatal. The rescue team told the broadcast, "The teenager rescued this time was incredibly lucky."