The Accident: A 30-Meter Fall
The tragedy occurred in the town of Atxondo, in the province of Biscay, Spain. At around 4:30 PM, an 18-year-old woman was climbing the north face of Mount Anboto with a companion when she accidentally fell from a cliff approximately 30 meters high. Her companion immediately cried out for help, while a person observing the mountain from a distance with binoculars also witnessed the incident and quickly reported it to emergency services.
Emergency Response: A Multi-Agency Rescue Operation
Upon receiving the call, the local emergency coordination center immediately activated its response protocol. A joint rescue team, comprising medical personnel, firefighters, and the Basque regional police (Ertzaintza), was swiftly dispatched. Due to the difficult terrain of the location, a Basque police emergency rescue helicopter was also deployed to Mount Anboto to assist in the search and rescue mission.
On-Site First Aid and Evacuation
Upon arrival, rescuers found the woman in a critical state of cardiac and respiratory arrest. A team doctor immediately began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on-site. After her vital signs were partially restored, the team airlifted her to Cruces University Hospital in Barakaldo for further treatment.
Unsuccessful Rescue and Subsequent Investigation
Despite the exhaustive efforts of the medical team at the hospital, the woman tragically passed away the following day due to the severity of her injuries from the fall. Local authorities have now launched a detailed investigation into the specific cause of the accident. This event serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks involved in mountaineering and a safety alert for all outdoor enthusiasts.
