THE Kerry Mountain Rescue Team has tonight pleaded with the public to take serious heed of all weather warnings and to avoid the mountains at this time.
A spokesman said extreme caution is also advised on low-level walks and trails near watercourses as the majority of rivers and lakes are currently in flood.
The volunteer team encountered very treacherous conditions when rescuing a walker who suffered a broken ankle while climbing Carrauntoohill at the height of today’s storm.
It has now emerged that the walker, who was Irish and in his early 30s, was among a group of four who had been hiking in the area this morning.
The fall occurred in the Hag’s Glen, between Lough Gouragh and the base of the Hag’s Tooth Ridge. His friends raised the alarm at 2.30pm and Kerry Mountain Rescue Team members were tasked to the incident.
The injured climber was treated at the scene for a suspected leg break and was stretchered down the mountain before being brought to the nearest road.
He was transferred to a waiting ambulance at approximately 5.30pm and brought to Kerry General Hospital for further medical treatment.
“Conditions on the mountain were extremely hazardous at the time of the incident with strong gusts and heavy rain around the Reeks,” said Kerry Mountain Rescue Team member Colm Burke.
* Pictures courtesy of the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team. Click on individual images to enlarge and for information
