ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – Sheriff John Garcia is reminding people to take proper precautions on the Eternal Flame Trail in Chestnut Ridge Park after two hikers sustained injuries in separate incidents on Saturday
At 1:07 p.m., deputies were called to mile marker 3 after a 44-year-old Illinois man reportedly fell on the trail and suffered a broken right ankle. Orchard Park EMS transported the man to ECMC for treatment.
At 2:10 p.m., deputies were again called to the trail, this time in the area of mile marker 20. A 24-year-old Buffalo man reportedly fell and broke his left ankle. The man was located near the creek bed, forcing SWAT QRF personnel to rappel down the ravine to him to render aid. Orchard Park EMS also rendered aid and transported the man to Mercy Hospital of Buffalo for further evaluation.
“The Eternal Flame Trail can give even the most experienced hikers difficulty,” noted Sheriff Garcia. “It is important to utilize good footwear and know your limits. Our deputies train year-round to be ready to respond to calls on the trail, and we were prepared this Fourth of July holiday."