A WALKER who fell while hiking in the Mourne Mountains is "lucky to be alive" after sustaining serious injuries including a fractured skull it has been claimed.
The male hiker fell while walking at Slieve Bonnian last Friday, and was soon located by a team from Mourne Mountain Rescue.
The rescue group provided initial treatment before calling in a UK Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick in Scotland.
The man was later treated in hospital for his injuries.
In a social media post, Mourne Mountain Rescue Team said they had been contacted by the man's wife, and posted a statement she made following her husband's ordeal.
"Everyone was wonderful, providing support to both of us in the most professional and caring way. You are all truly lifesavers," she said.
"On arrival at hospital, my husband was told by the emergency department doctor he was lucky to have survived.
"What had seemed to be a simple fall had caused many fractures including skull, ribs and pelvis. Without the support on the mountain from the team, and wonderful passers by...and the speedy transfer to hospital by the rescue helicopter, the outcome could have been very different."
The fall followed another call-out last Wednesday, when a walker descending the north's highest peak, Slieve Donard, fell and sustained a "debilitating upper body injury".
A Mourne Mountain Rescue Team spokesperson said the Co Down mountain range was popular with visitors, but urged those walking in the area to take precautions.
"As with all mountainous regions, the factors that make them exhilarating are also those that pose the most risk," they said.
"If you don’t take proper care, through careful planning, including obtaining and applying the correct skills and resources, then they can be treacherous."
