Frustrating search for woman on gamelands

Fire crews spent several hours searching for a woman in distress in the state gamelands bordering Glen Onoko Falls Saturday evening, only to find she had walked out to her car.

At 6 p.m. firefighters from  Nesquehoning and Lehigh-Lausanne, Lehighton ALS were dispatched to the top of the Broad Mountain in the area of the overlook near the Glen for a rescue.

When crews responded and arrived at the small parking lot on the top of Route 93, they were advised that there were two people that were lost.

A woman, wearing a white tank top and black pants, was reported as having a breathing issue. A man, wearing a blue shirt and white shorts was with her.

When crews reached the top of the mountain, they came up with the plan to send back an ambulance UTV and New Columbus' utility truck to search the overlooks at their last known location.

After looking at two separate locations, the emergency personal asked 911 to ping the couples phone to find their location. The crews were a half mile south of their location.

As crews moved to the location of the couple after searching for two hours, 911 notified emergency crews that they had already got off the mountain and were leaving Glen Onoko via the parking lot.

Firemen stressed that lost hikers should keep 911 updated on their moments. Otherwise it is makes the situation difficult and dangerous for emergency crews.​

Copyright Larry Neff/Special to the Times News.