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2 teens rescued after falling into mine pit
Two 15-year-old boys were rescued in northern Minnesota over the weekend after falling into a 100-foot abandoned mine pit. Virginia Fire Department chief deputy Erik Jonassen joins FOX 9 All Day to discuss the rescue mission.
VIRGINIA, Minn. (FOX 9) - Two 15-year-old boys were rescued over the weekend after falling into a 100-foot mine pit near the Mesabi Bike Trail in the Iron Range.
Rescued from 100-foot abandoned mine pit
What we know:
At the scene, first responders found two 15-year-old boys calling for help, one clinging to the cliff and the other at water level.
A member of the fire crew repelled down to the first teenager, who was about 50 feet down and had his hand wedged on the backside of a boulder. The rescuer secured him to the ropes, and he was extricated to the top of the hill.
The rescuer then continued to descend to the second injured teen, who was about 100 feet down at the bottom of the pit. The teen was extricated by boat before heading to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
Two 15-year-old children were rescued from a mine pit. (Virginia Fire Department)
What they're saying:
Deputy Fire Chief Erik Jonassen told FOX 9 the rescue happened on private land in an abandoned open mine pit. "They were definitely doing some exploring. It was quite a hike into the area they were in," he said.
According to Jonassen, one of the boys went down a hill and handed his friend the cellphone before he lost his footing and ultimately fell off the cliff.
The friend called 911 and provided dispatch an approximate location before he attempted to make it down the hill to help his friend. But about halfway down, he also started to lose his footing, and wedged his hands into the nearby boulder until help arrived.
Due to the location and terrain of the area, it took about 30 minutes to locate the exact site, and another 30 minutes to rescue the boys.
"These two 15-year-olds were extremely lucky," said Jonassen. "While they were waiting for rescue, they were talking back and forth to each other, relaying encouragements ‘You can do this, hang on.' So, they were actually in pretty good spirits."
The deputy chief did not go into detail about the boys' injuries, but said they are believed to be back home.
What you can do:
Chief Deputy Jonassen encouraged those who visit the region to stay on the bike path or designated trails and don’t cross any fencing.
The Source: This story uses information from the Virginia Fire Department and an interview with deputy chief Erik Jonassen.