PRINCETON, Mass. — A teenager slipped on a cliff and fell 30 feet onto a rock while hiking with friends on New Year's Day.
The 17-year-old landed on his back and was unconscious at first, but he is now communicating with the trauma team at a local hospital.
The teens were about a half-mile into a wooded area not meant for hiking when the boy grabbed a tree branch, slipped and then fell.
Eight first responders were needed for the rescue. Crews used ropes and a stokes basket to secure the victim, then used a four-wheeler with a stretcher to navigate the wooded area.
First responders said the teen is lucky to be alive but likely sustained head injuries after a vertical fall.
Princeton Fire Chief John Bennett said this area is not safe for kids, let alone anyone and the teen is truly lucky to be alive.
"I believe he landed on his back. If he landed on his head, it would be a completely different situation," Bennett said.