Firefighters assist hikers down the mountain. Photo by Zhang Pengxiang
China News Service, Xingtai, Dec. 16 (Zhang Pengxiang, Li Tiechui, Du Feilong) The Xingtai City Fire Brigade in Hebei Province reported on the evening of the 16th that 66 hikers trapped in the Jiulongxia Tourist Area of Xingtai City were successfully rescued after a full-scale rescue operation by local firefighters. The last group of trapped individuals was brought to safety at 1:25 a.m. on the 16th, with all hikers rescued. A few sustained minor scrapes, but there were no fatalities.
The report stated that at 6:38 p.m. on the 15th, the Xingtai City Fire Brigade command center received an emergency call reporting that a self-organized hiking group of 92 people, with ages ranging from 31 to 66, had been conducting a mountain climbing activity in the Jiulongxia Scenic Area of Xingtai City on the 15th. After reaching their destination to rest and enjoy the scenery, the group decided to embark on an exploratory journey to find and traverse a mountain route that no one had previously explored. Due to lack of prior preparation regarding route changes, necessary equipment, and familiarity with the terrain, around 6:35 p.m. on the 15th, the hiking group became trapped at the summit of a mountain near Lishuping Village in the Jiulongxia Scenic Area.
Upon receiving the report, the Xingtai City Fire Brigade immediately dispatched personnel from the Xingtai County Squadron, equipped with ample rescue ropes, throwers, rescue stretchers, fire ladders, and lighting equipment, to the scene. Upon arrival, it was learned that 26 physically fit and relatively experienced hikers from the group had already safely descended the mountain.
Based on the situation at the scene, firefighters quickly coordinated with local police officers and village officials from Lishuping to develop a rescue plan. At 10:38 p.m., rescuers reached the summit where the hikers were trapped. After assessing the hikers’ physical conditions and confirming the number of people, the rescuers divided the group into four teams and carried out the rescue in batches. At 1:25 a.m. on December 16, the last group of trapped individuals was rescued, marking the successful rescue of all 66 hikers.
Fire authorities remind hikers not to venture into undeveloped wilderness areas or hike on unofficial trails. They should stick to designated scenic routes, avoid “wild paths,” refrain from lingering, taking photos, or filming in areas marked with danger warnings, and stay away from undeveloped tourist spots to prevent unnecessary losses due to getting lost. If lost, stay calm, remain in place, and call for help immediately. (End)