A 19-year-old man miraculously survived a 400-foot fall from Washington State’s High Steel Bridge over Memorial Day weekend. The incident occurred on Saturday as he attempted to navigate beneath the bridge, constructed by the Simpson Logging Company in 1929 and repurposed into a road in the late 1950s.
According to West Mason Fire Chief Matthew Welander, the victim was traversing a steep washout, often mistaken for a trail, leading to his descent. He slid all the way down to the river before being rescued.
Welander emphasized the perilous nature of the area, stressing that it’s not intended for foot traffic. The West Mason Fire Department shared gripping images on Facebook, depicting the dramatic rescue operation involving ropes and harnesses. They reiterated the frequency of such rescues, averaging three to five per year in the vicinity.
Survivor’s condition
Though authorities have withheld the man’s identity, they confirmed he sustained only minor injuries despite the harrowing plunge.
High Steel Bridge is one of the nation’s tallest railroad bridges
Spanning the south fork of the Skokomish River in Mason County, the 685-foot-long High Steel Bridge stands as one of the nation’s tallest railroad bridges, soaring 365 feet above the river. Its formidable height underscores the inherent risks posed to individuals navigating its surroundings.
