Two people were injured Tuesday afternoon after their SUV rolled about 200 feet off the edge of a cliff around the snow line at Ash Canyon, Carson City Fire Department Chief Stacey Giomi confirmed.
A NAS helicopter from Fallon arrived to the scene and successfully airlifted the two out of the canyon and placed them on awaiting Care Flight helicopters. NAS was called as the helicopters it operates are able to navigate tight spaces. The NAS helicopter rappelled two rescuers from the air to get to the victims, Assistant Fire Chief Tom Tarulli said.
The two injured persons were extricated from the SUV. A ground crew with ropes climbed down about 200 feet into the canyon to get to the pair, who were trapped, said Tarulli. The rescue operation was between 2 to 3 miles up the canyon and then off the edge of a cliff into the canyon.
On scene are fire department personnel, Carson City Sheriff's Office deputies, members of the Search and Rescue team and Public Works, said Giomi.
The rollover was reported around 11 a.m., with fire trucks, and patrol SUVs climbing up through the one-lane rocky canyon to get to the victims.
Nino Iannacchione, Search and Rescue Commander for the Carson City Sheriff's Office, said a group from his team, along with Carson City firefighters arrived at the scene and used ropes to get down the steep side of the canyon to get to the victims. The victims are male and female, both age 50. Both sustained head injuries and are experiencing breathing difficulties.
Check back on this developing story for updates.