Woman survives 100-metre plunge down Oribi Gorge cliff and climbs back to safety

A woman is recovering in hospital after surviving a terrifying 100-metre plunge down a cliff in Oribi Gorge and then climbing back to the road despite suffering serious injuries.

KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service was called to the scene on Oribi Gorge Road at approximately 2pm on Monday, about five kilometres from the N2 turn-off, following reports that a vehicle had gone over the edge of the cliff.

When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they found that the driver was already at the roadside, being assisted by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) who found her while on patrol.

According to information provided by the driver, her vehicle suffered a sudden tyre blowout while travelling along the road, causing her to lose control. The car veered off the roadway and plunged an estimated 100 metres down into the gorge. Due to the depth and dense terrain, the vehicle was not visible from the road.

The driver managed to escape the wreckage by kicking out a window.

She sustained multiple suspected fractures.  Despite this, she began the slow and painful climb up the steep embankment.

Paramedics reported that the woman slipped several times during the ascent, repeatedly sliding back down the incline before eventually reaching the road. By the time SAPS officers found her, she was in serious condition and showed signs of trauma.

KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service paramedics stabilised the patient at the scene, treating multiple fractures and injuries consistent with a high-impact fall. She was then transported under advanced life support to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.

IOL