ASHFIELD — About 200 feet up a steep path leading up to the popular climbing area Chapel Ledges, the night was bright with spotlights flicking through the trees Wednesday evening.
At 6:15 p.m., rescue workers were called after a climber fell. Just down the path from where rescuers worked, other climbers who were nearby when the person fell, said the climber fell about 40 feet into a tree.
Soon after the 911 call was made, LifeFlight was alerted to respond with a helicopter, and landed just down the road in an open field. The climber was transported at about 9:30 p.m.
Ashfield Fire Chief Del Haskins, who was at the base of the path leading up to the ledge, said as of around 8 p.m., the climber’s injuries weren’t life-threatening. He said the climber slipped from a ledge and fell.
According to the fire chief, the rescue was made more difficult because of the location and darkness. Haskins couldn’t provide any other information.
About 100 feet up, at the base of the path leading to where rescuers worked, firefighters blocked off the scene and wouldn’t let anyone pass.
Along with Ashfield Fire and Police departments, Highland Ambulance, Conway, Turners Falls and Williamsburg Fire departments were called in to help. Greenfield Fire Department was also at the scene with a technical rescue truck.
You can reach Andy Castillo
at: acastillo@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 263
On Twitter: @AndyCCastillo