Tree branch saves man who fell at Tews Falls

A hiker was lucky to escape with just a sprained ankle after he fell at Tews Falls Monday afternoon, rescue officials say.

Fire and ambulance crews were first called to the area near the falls around 12:30 p.m., said Fire Information Officer Dave Christopher.

The man was on the trail near the falls when he lost his footing and fell about 12 metres only stopping himself when he managed to snag a tree branch on the way down.

"He was very lucky," Christopher said. Rope rescue crews pulled the man up in a basket, and he was then taken to hospital with a sprained ankle.

Christopher said the rescue took about an hour and a half. There were 12 trucks originally called to the rescue, but that was scaled down to five on arrival when the man didn't appear to be seriously injured.