A challenging evacuation operation took place on the Mount Gede Pangrango hiking trail last weekend. A male hiker from Bekasi named Roby, who weighs around 145 kilograms, had to be evacuated by a volunteer team after experiencing severe cramps and numbness in his legs.
The incident began when the victim, who was hiking with two companions, experienced physical difficulties around Pos 3 Buntut Lutung. The geographical conditions of the Gunung Putri route, which is dominated by steep inclines, combined with the victim's significant weight, forced the volunteer team to brainstorm a safe and effective evacuation strategy.
Field volunteer Ali (37) recounted that the evacuation process was carried out in stages. Initially, volunteers tried to carry the victim using a sarong, but this method was not feasible for a long duration. Ultimately, the team decided to use an improvised stretcher made from a sarong and two sturdy wooden poles to carry the victim down the mountain slope in turns.
This grueling rescue operation lasted for approximately six hours, starting at 3:30 PM WIB and successfully reaching the evacuation point at Tanah Merah at 9:00 PM WIB. After being safely brought down, the hiker immediately received further medical treatment.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations officer of the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park Center, Agus Deni, stated that his team is currently investigating the incident. The national park authorities are verifying reports from the field and confirming the legality status of the group's climb.
