PORT ANGELES – Three Port Angeles teenagers were transported to Olympic Medical Center after their car tumbled down a steep embankment on Black Diamond Road early Friday morning.
Their conditions and names were not available Friday.
Clallam Fire District No. 2 Assistant Chief Mike DeRousie reported that two other teens in the wreck climbed out on their own. They were transported home by parents or guardians after being checked for injuries at the scene.
In a news release, DeRousie said that when Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue arrived after the 12:39 a.m. call, a paramedic and three deputy sheriffs had lowered themselves down a 160-foot embankment to reach the teens and assess their injuries.
The Port Angeles Fire Department’s High-Angle Rescue team responded as well as the Clallam County Search and Rescue team with lights and more manpower.
Blankets were taken down to the teens to keep them warm during the rescue, said DeRousie.
The Port Angeles team rigged up a litter basket and descended the embankment. Three of the teens had to be taken out on the litter, one at a time, said DeRousie.
Those three victims were transported to Olympic Medical.
Sgt. John Hollis of the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office said the vehicle was traveling south on Black Diamond Road and failed to negotiate a turn in the 100 block.
At least one of the vehicle occupants told deputies that the driver had swerved to avoid another car coming down the hill that had crossed into his lane.
Hollis said the wreck was still under investigation and no cause had been determined. He also said no drugs or alcohol were found in the vehicle and deputies saw no signs of drug or alcohol use.
The landscape, said DeRousie, was wet and muddy with trees and undergrowth.
As of Friday afternoon, the vehicle was still at the bottom of the embankment, said Hollis.
DeRousie reported no injuries to the extrication team and rescue operations were complete at 3:15 a.m.
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Assistant Managing Editor Mark Swanson can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55450, or mswanson@peninsuladailynews.com.
