High winds are being blamed for injuries to a hiker today in the Red River Gorge. According to Powell County Search and Rescue team members, a call in today around noon about a hiker who was struck by a falling branch on the Whittleton Branch Campground Hiking Trail. The limb knocked the person unconscious and pinned them underneath the branch.
Powell County Emergency Medical Services, paramedics, and EMTs responded to the scene and were able to assess the subject and package his head wounds. A chainsaw was required to free the subject from underneath the fallen branches.
Assisting were Middlefork Fire/Rescue, Red STAR Wilderness EMS, who transported the person for further treatment and evaluation.
Search and Rescue reminds you if you are visiting the Gorge area and looking to head out on any of the trails, please be mindful of the weather conditions. Excessive winds are present throughout the entire area today and the remainder of the weekend. Make sure you stay vigilant for falling trees and branches.
