By Nakiwala Barbra
A young woman’s hiking adventure in Australia’s Hunter Valley turned into a seven-hour ordeal when she slipped and became wedged upside down in a three-metre crevice while trying to retrieve her phone. Identified in reports as Matilda Campbell, she found herself trapped between two large boulders, sparking a dramatic rescue effort by emergency services.
Campbell had been hiking with friends earlier this month in New South Wales when she slipped into the narrow gap. Her friends tried to free her, but after over an hour of unsuccessful attempts, they had no choice but to call for professional help.
Rescue paramedic Peter Watts, who had been with the NSW Ambulance service for 10 years, described the situation as one of the most challenging he had ever encountered. “I had never seen anything like this,” Watts said. “It was tough, but incredibly rewarding.”
Rescuers faced the daunting task of shifting several massive boulders, including one weighing 500kg (1,100 lbs), in order to create enough space to free the woman. Photos from the scene showed her feet sticking out from the rocks, while emergency crews worked meticulously to prevent the boulders from shifting further.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Campbell remained resilient, earning praise from Watts, who called her a “trooper.” The young woman, remarkably, emerged from the ordeal with only minor scratches and bruises.
The rescue required a coordinated effort, with paramedics, police, and specialized rescue teams working together to remove rocks and stabilize the area. Finally, after hours of delicate operations, they successfully freed her from the tight “S” bend she had fallen into.
After her dramatic rescue, Campbell thanked her rescuers, posting online, “You guys are literally lifesavers.” However, in a lighthearted twist, she added, “Too bad about the phone though.”
Although she didn’t manage to recover her mobile, Campbell’s survival with minimal injuries after such a harrowing experience was nothing short of miraculous. The incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected risks nature can pose, even during something as routine as a hike.
