Niagara Falls Man Survives after Driving Truck into Gorge, Taken to ECMC

A 42-year-old Niagara Falls man was hospitalized after driving his pickup truck through a fence and down the Niagara Gorge embankment near the Whirlpool Bridge on Wednesday evening.

According to the New York State Park Police, officers were dispatched to the area near the Aquarium of Niagara around 6:25pm after receiving a report of a man in need of medical attention. Upon arrival, they discovered the individual suffering from multiple injuries including lacerations and broken bones.

Investigators soon located a damaged fence and tire tracks in the grass just north of the Whirlpool Bridge, leading the the discovery of a 2008 Toyota Tundra that crashed through the barrier and descended into the gorge. The vehicle was stopped by trees, which prevented it from plunging into the lower Niagara River.

Remarkably, the driver was able to free himself from the wreckage, navigate a trail, climb the stairs out of the gorge, and walk nearly a mile toward the aquarium before authorities made contact with him.

Parks Police confirmed there are are no additional victims.

The injured driver was transported to Erie County Medical Center by ambulance for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The New York State Park Police, in collaboration with the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, is investigating the incident. Officials are also assessing how to remove the wrecked vehicle from the gorge. The affected area currently closed to the public.

Niagara Falls Man Survives after Driving Truck into Gorge, Taken to ECMC