**Mountain Rescue Teams Rush to Save Injured Woman After Car Plunges Down Horseshoe Pass**
A multi-agency rescue operation unfolded late on Saturday night after a car was sent tumbling off the notoriously challenging Horseshoe Pass in Denbighshire, North Wales. Emergency services were alerted shortly after 10pm following reports that a vehicle had veered off the carriageway, leaving its only occupant—a woman—trapped in a dangerous and hard-to-reach spot below the road.
The dramatic incident prompted an immediate response from North Wales Police, who arrived first on the scene. Realising the complexity of the terrain and the woman’s precarious position, police teams swiftly requested backup from the North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) team, renowned for their expertise in mountain and remote area rescues.
According to a NEWSAR representative, coordination among various rescue units was key to the positive outcome: “Our volunteers responded late on Saturday after being contacted by North Wales Police. The single vehicle had left the roadway, and its occupant was located a fair distance down a steep embankment.”
Upon reaching the casualty, the team found that she had sustained injuries, although the full extent has not been officially disclosed. Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust and the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service – already on hand, alongside the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service – provided vital first aid and stabilised the woman for extraction.
The combined rescue teams then faced a significant logistical challenge. NEWSAR personnel utilised a specialised rope system and a wheeled stretcher to carefully navigate the treacherous slope. In a statement, a spokesperson highlighted the dangers inherent in the operation: “Our priority was to evacuate the patient as safely as possible, given the difficult access and the risk of further injury. The coordinated effort allowed us to reach her, provide care and transfer her up to the roadside without incident.”
Once the woman was securely back at the roadside, she was immediately taken to hospital for further assessment and treatment. While her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, the incident underscores the risks motorists face when navigating mountain passes, particularly during nighttime hours.
The collaborative spirit displayed by all responding agencies was widely praised. NEWSAR extended their gratitude in a public statement: “We would like to thank our colleagues from police, fire and ambulance services for their professionalism and teamwork during what became a lengthy late-night rescue. Our volunteers responded quickly and stayed on scene into the early morning.”
The busy route was temporarily closed to allow emergency services to carry out their work uninterrupted. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes as the search and rescue teams operated in the darkness and difficult conditions. The Horseshoe Pass was fully reopened to traffic at approximately 2.30am on Sunday morning, with authorities confirming that the scene was clear and safe for use.
Questions are likely to be raised regarding the circumstances that led to the accident, although at this stage, there is no indication of foul play or other vehicles being involved. Local residents and regular users of the route have noted that sudden changes in weather and visibility can make the Horseshoe Pass treacherous, particularly for unfamiliar drivers.
The incident serves as a reminder of both the challenges presented by North Wales’s upland roads and the professionalism of the region’s search and rescue services. As investigations continue into the precise cause of the crash, officials are encouraging all road users to exercise caution and remain vigilant, especially on remote and high-altitude routes.