UPDATE: A man is safe following a dramatic rescue early Saturday morning, January 24, 2023, after his SUV became precariously stuck on the edge of a cliff in Big Bear. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. along Highway 18 near mile marker 39.5, prompting an urgent response from local fire crews.
Authorities report that the man was attempting to pull out of a turnout when he accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. This miscalculation sent his SUV over a berm, leaving it teetering several hundred feet above the ground.
According to Eric Sherwin, a spokesman for the San Bernardino County Fire Department, the female passenger managed to exit the vehicle without injuries before emergency services arrived. However, the male driver remained inside, hesitant to move as firefighters worked to secure the SUV.
Firefighters quickly deployed a chain from their engine to stabilize the vehicle and initiated a safe extraction of the driver. Fortunately, he was also found uninjured during the rescue operation.
No other vehicles were involved in the incident, and authorities confirmed that there were no additional injuries reported. The quick response from fire crews helped avert a potentially tragic situation, highlighting the dangers of driving near cliff edges.
This incident underscores the importance of caution while driving in mountainous regions, especially during challenging weather conditions. As investigations continue, officials advise drivers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
Stay tuned for further updates as details emerge from this developing story.
