A teenage girl was rescued after jumping from a Northern California bridge and landing on her back on the rocks below, leaving her conscious but unable to move.
Emergency crews were called to the Rainbow Bridge near Greenback Lane in Folsom at around 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, following reports that someone needed to be rescued near the water.
“Fire crews received reports of an injured individual on the rocks along the north side of the river after jumping from Rainbow Bridge,” the Folsom Fire Department said.
The victim, believed to be 18 or 19 years old, had reportedly been with a group of young people who were jumping from the bridge into Lake Natoma when something went terribly wrong.
Instead of reaching the water safely, the young woman landed on her back on the rocks below, according to local reports.
She was awake and able to speak when first responders reached her, but she could not move.
The rescue operation involved Engine 36, Battalion Chief 15, Boat 35 and Medic 35.
Crews carefully moved the injured teen onto Boat 35 and transported her across the river to a nearby boat launch.
Emergency personnel treated her at the scene before she was taken to a local hospital for further care.
Fire officials have not released the extent of her injuries, and the young woman has not been publicly identified.
The Folsom Fire Department did not immediately provide an update on her condition.
Brian Beck, an official with the department, said people have jumped from Rainbow Bridge before, despite multiple warning signs posted in the area.
Similar jumps lead to injuries and rescue operations each year, according to Gold Mountain California News Media.
The rocks beneath the bridge are not the only danger. Jumpers can also suffer a sudden physical shock after hitting the cold water.
Authorities have repeatedly warned visitors against jumping from the bridge because of the serious risks involved.
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