Hiker and dog rescued after fall into ravine in Verzegnis

A 71-year-old hiker fell into a ravine while walking with his dog near Verzegnis, in Italy’s Udine province.

He was on the CAI 827 trail at about 950 metres when a severe low-blood-sugar episode left him unable to continue.

He called Italy’s 112 emergency number for help.

Mountain rescue teams and a regional rescue helicopter were sent to reach him.

Thick vegetation and strong winds made the helicopter rescue difficult.

The hiker had injuries to his face and chest, was stabilised in Tolmezzo and flown to a hospital in Udine.

Rescuers brought his dog safely down the mountain, and the operation ended at about 4:30 p.m.