SOUTHWICK – An 18-year-old Southwick man was rescued Sunday from the quarry near the Agawam line.
Southwick Fire and Southwick Police personnel responded to the Rt. 57 area known as the old quarry to rescue the hiker.
According to Southwick Fire Chief Russell Anderson, the man was walking with friends when rocks gave way and he slid 25 feet down the steep quarry edge. Injured, he was unable to climb out of the area.
Southwick fire and police were called at 8:40 p.m. and quickly notified Agawam fire and the Western Mass. Technical Rescue Team for assistance. Anderson said Southwick had 25 responders.
The Rescue Team mobilized 13 members and appropriate equipment to complete the rescue. The rescue operation was in a remote area requiring off road units to access the scene.
It took rescuers over three hours to remove the young man form the quarry, said Anderson. The injured party was transported to Baytstate Medical Center for evaluation.
Anderson said the Southwick Fire Department has some training in rope rescue, but this incident “exceeded our capabilities.”
