KCFD SAR: 2 fatalities - 2 vehicles off road roll-over

SAR: Kern County - 2 fatalities - Two outdoor utility vehicles involved in off road roll-over in the steep Jawbone Canyon area of Kern County.

RANDSBURG, CA - Tuesday, November 25th 2008 at approximately 2:05 P.M., a call was received by the Kern County Fire Department for a rescue involving 4 - 4x4 outdoor utility vehicles. Approximately 13 Kern County Firefighters responded to the incident.

While on training exercises in the area Helicopter 408 was able to assess the scene before the arrival of ground units approximately 30 minutes later. After assessing the area, Helicopter 408 found that 2 of the 4 outdoor utility vehicles had lost control and rolled while attempting to make it down the extremely steep canyon. Helicopter 408 utilized its crew for additional personnel to assist with the rescue while the Helicopter continued to observe from the air due to the extremely steep terrain.

The persons were camping in the Dove Springs area when they went to the Jawbone Canyon Store. While enroute back to the campground 1 of the riders knew of a shortcut through the steep canyon. The 1st rider made it down to the bottom safely. The next 2 outdoor utility vehicles then attempted to traverse the canyon to the bottom when they lost control and rolled. The last outdoor utility vehicle saw what had occurred and stayed at the top. It was reported that no safety equipment was worn by the 2 outdoor utility vehicles and were ejected from the outdoor utility vehicles.

There were 2 casualties from this incident and no injuries to Firefighters.

Crews were on scene for approximately 4 hours.

Source: Kern County Fire website - Link
http://www.kerncountyfire.org