17-year-old on ATV plunges 50 feet into abandoned mine shaft, Arizona rescuers say

A 17-year-old riding an all-terrain vehicle plunged 50 feet down an abandoned mine shaft Friday evening in New Springs, Arizona, KNXV reported.

The ATV landed on top of the teen, injuring him, in the 6 p.m. accident, AZ Family reported. He was rescued about two hours later from the shaft near Phoenix.

Rescuers airlifted the teen, who was alert and conscious, to a hospital, The Arizona Republic reported. Details on his injuries and condition were not released.

A full rescue team entered the shaft to retrieve the teen, KNXV reported.

“Mine shafts are especially dangerous because we don’t know what kind of elements are in there,” said Paul Schickel of Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical, AZ Family reported.

Abandoned mines and shafts are common throughout the western United States.

“Please be safe while you are out riding this weekend and be sure everyone is wearing a helmet,” wrote the Glendale Fire Department on Twitter.

This story was originally published May 24, 2020 at 7:01 AM with the headline "17-year-old on ATV plunges 50 feet into abandoned mine shaft, Arizona rescuers say."