According to foreign media reports, American mountaineer Aron Ralston was tragically trapped in a crevice while climbing the Grand Canyon in 2003. He eventually freed himself by amputating his own right arm, and his story was adapted into the film *127 Hours*. On the 21st of this month, a similar tragedy unfolded in South Africa when a man became trapped between rocks on a cliff face during a hike. After his request, rescuers performed a risky surgery on the cliffside to amputate his right leg, allowing him to escape danger.
Image from the film *127 Hours*
The trapped man, identified as Russell Lowe, is in his 20s. On the 19th of this month, he was hiking alone when he encountered a snake. In a panic, Lowe fell 50 meters down a cliff, with both legs becoming stuck in a crevice.
Lowe immediately called for help, and rescuers arrived the following day. They attempted various methods to free him, including pulling, breaking rocks, and injecting lubricants, but none were successful.
In despair, Lowe said he would rather lose his leg than remain trapped. With his consent, doctors, an anesthesiologist, and nurses performed surgery on the cliffside, amputating his right leg below the knee.
Currently, Lowe remains in the hospital’s intensive care unit under observation and is in stable condition.