hikers

Three hikers were left with fractures when a boulder hit a ledge and exploded, sending rocks flying toward the group. Image: Wilderness Search and Rescue

Boulder SMASHES three hikers’ legs in Stellenbosch

A hiking trip turned into tragedy for seven hikers when a boulder exploded and seriously injured three of them in Stellenbosch

hikers

Three hikers were left with fractures when a boulder hit a ledge and exploded, sending rocks flying toward the group. Image: Wilderness Search and Rescue

A group of seven hikers set out on a morning hike into the mountain kloofs above Banhoek, outside Stellenbosch, on Sunday, 5 February, when tragedy struck.

READ INITIAL ARTICLE HERE: Three people sustain multiple fractures while hiking in Stellenbosch

Three hikers struck by shards of rock when boulder explodes

On Sunday, the group hiked, abseiled, jumped, and waded down the deep river gorge of Volstruiskloof after a night in the mountains.

After stopping for lunch, they noticed a large troop of agitated and curious baboons above them, but continued their descent nonetheless.

While two members of the group abseiled 55m from a pool in the middle of a waterfall, a 60kg boulder struck the small ledge where the remaining five hikers stood.

The boulder exploded on impact, sending razor-sharp ‘shrapnel’ flying and injuring three hikers.

ALSO READ: Woman seriously injured after falling 10 meters while hiking at Lion’s head

The hikers sustained broken legs and one had an open wound.

Another hiker was struck by rock and nearly fell over an exposed edge, but a safety rope connected to his harness saved him.

The falling rocks, believed to be dislodged by the baboons, continued to rain down.

The hiking party huddled together, comforting the injured, warming them with sleeping bags, and seeking shelter from the rocks.

ALSO READ: Two mountain rescues conducted in one day

One member manages to make an SOS call despite limited service

Despite limited cellphone range, a hiker made an SOS call.

The Western Cape Department of Health EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) helicopter mobilised.

They had a team from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) on board.

Upon arriving at the mountain gorge, the WSAR team descended to the patients on the small ledge.

They packed the more seriously injured patient into a stretcher and flew him to a nearby landing zone, then hoisted the remaining two patients from the ledge using rescue harnesses.

Three hikers were left with fractures when a boulder hit a ledge and exploded, sending rocks flying toward the group. Image: Wilderness Search and Rescue

ALSO READ: Several hikers airlifted in separate incidents – including a 2-year-old

All three patients were transported to the hospital by ambulance for further treatment.

The rescue team stayed on standby while the remaining four hikers made their way out of the kloof.

The rescue team commended the two uninjured hikers for remaining calm and doing a fantastic job caring for the injured.

“This was the third time I’ve been down this kloof and the first time I’ve seen or heard any baboons up there.” one of the injured passengers said.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY MICHELLE SWART