8 juveniles rescued from stranded vehicles on Black Creek Mountain

Monday, March 5, 2012

Chattanooga firefighters rescued eight juveniles from a remote area of Black Creek Mountain early this morning after their vehicles had been stuck in the mud for two days, said assistant fire marshal Lt. Michelle Thorne.

The rescue workers were dispatched to the area near Cummings Highway around 2:45 a.m., Thorne said.

The juveniles -ranging in ages 11 to 17 -had been stranded for two days in a remote area, after making a wrong turn and getting their Jeep Wrangler stuck in the mud.

The group first called for help first from friends with other four wheel drive vehicles, but that group also became trapped in the mud.

Those stranded were not prepared for the lower temperatures, which prompted Chattanooga Fire department to respond after Park Rangers apparently refused to help, said Thorne

The group had to be rescued using the Chattanooga Fire Departments off road vehicles, with assistance from personnel with TWRA and a retired 911 dispatcher, said department spokesman.

All juveniles were safely transported down the mountain and no medical attention was needed. After warming up at Chattanooga Station 3, the parties were able to call family members to transport them home.