Helvellyn and Red Tarn

A man suffered serious injuries today after falling from England’s third highest mountain.

The walker, from Solihull in the West Midlands, fell 120m (400ft) from Swirral Edge on Helvellyn while descending from the 950m (3,117ft) summit. The 52-year-old was airlifted from the mountain after being treated at the scene.

The accident happened at 3.45pm this afternoon, Tuesday, as the man was coming down from the summit plateau with his partner. He slipped on a steep snow-covered upper section of the route and tumbled towards Red Tarn.

A spokesperson for Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, which was called to the walker’s aid, said: “Ten members of the rescue team were airlifted to Red Tarn by the air ambulance in failing light and low cloud.

“Accompanied by a doctor from the air ambulance, the team ascended a steep snow-covered gully to reach the casualty who was treated for head, chest, spine and pelvic injuries before being secured into a stretcher ready for evacuation.

“He was then lowered down the snow slopes above Red Tarn to the valley bottom then winched into a Sea King helicopter for transfer to Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle.

“Team members then walked off the hill to the rescue centre in Patterdale.”

Fifteen members of the Patterdale MRT were involved in the rescue.