A thirteen-year-old schoolboy has been described as a 'walking miracle' after surviving a terrifying 200-foot fall down a cliff face during what was supposed to be a pleasant father-son hike in the Peak District.
The dramatic incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon when the teenager lost his footing while walking with his father near the stunning but dangerous Dovedale stepping stones in Derbyshire.
The Heart-Stopping Moment
According to eyewitness accounts and mountain rescue officials, the boy slipped and tumbled down the sheer limestone cliff, falling the equivalent height of a 20-storey building before coming to rest on a narrow ledge.
His distraught father immediately raised the alarm, triggering a major emergency response involving multiple rescue teams.
Rescue Operation Springs Into Action
Derbyshire Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service, and the Derby Mountain Rescue Team all raced to the scene following the 999 call.
Rescue specialists were faced with the challenging task of reaching the injured boy on the precarious ledge and safely bringing him back up the cliff face.
Andy Zuntz, team leader of Derby Mountain Rescue, described the operation: 'This was an extremely technical rescue in difficult terrain. Our team worked seamlessly with emergency service colleagues to extract the casualty safely.'
Incredible Escape With Minor Injuries
In what rescue workers are calling nothing short of miraculous, the teenager escaped with relatively minor injuries despite the enormous height of his fall.
He was treated at the scene for back and chest injuries before being carefully transported to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham for further assessment.
'For someone to fall that distance and walk away is absolutely incredible,' Zuntz added. 'We're just thankful this had a positive outcome.'
Safety Warning For Walkers
The near-tragedy has prompted mountain rescue officials to issue a fresh safety warning to visitors exploring the Peak District's beautiful but potentially hazardous landscapes.
Walkers are reminded to:
- Always wear appropriate footwear with good grip
- Stay on marked paths and away from cliff edges
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry essential safety equipment including a charged mobile phone
The boy remains in hospital under observation but is expected to make a full recovery from his astonishing ordeal.
