YANCEY COUNTY, NC — An injured hiker stranded near Celo Knob in the rugged South Toe area was rescued early Monday morning after an intense, all-night multi-agency mission involving aerial extraction in treacherous mountain terrain.

The emergency operation began late Sunday night when crews responded to reports of a hiker hurt in a remote section of the Black Mountains. As darkness fell, ground teams from South Toe Fire and Rescue navigated difficult conditions while coordination with the North Carolina Emergency Management’s Helo Aquatic Rescue Team (NCHART) was underway to deploy air support.

By early Monday, a NC Highway Patrol helicopter reached the hiker and successfully airlifted the individual to safety, allowing for prompt medical care. Officials have not released the hiker’s ide

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