Tree branch saves man who fell at Tews Falls

A hiker was lucky to escape with just a sprained ankle after he fell at Tews Falls Monday afternoon, rescue officials say.

Fire and ambulance crews were first called to the area near the falls around 12:30 p.m., said Fire Information Officer Dave Christopher.

The man was on the trail near the falls when he lost his footing and fell about 12 metres – only stopping himself when he managed to snag a tree branch on the way down.

"He was very lucky," Christopher said. Rope rescue crews pulled the man up in a basket, and he was then taken to hospital with a sprained ankle.

Christopher said the rescue took about an hour and a half. There were 12 trucks originally called to the rescue, but that was scaled down to five on arrival when the man didn't appear to be seriously injured.