A man became trapped under a boulder while on a hike and it sounds like something straight from the 127 Hours movie.
While Aron Johnston was pinned by a boulder for over 100 hours (as per the movie's title), this unnamed hiker was fortunately saved after seven.
The man began his hike on Tuesday (December 5) in California's Inyo Mountains when the accident occurred.
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Somehow the hiker ended up with a five-ton boulder pinning his leg down, leaving him in extreme pain.
Inyo County Search and Rescue got wind of the man's situation and rushed to his aid in a rescue mission that ran into the early hours of the morning.
He was found 'in great pain with his left leg pinned beneath a large boulder on a steep hillside', the rescue team said in a Facebook post.
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The post went on to say: "The hiker was located below Santa Rita Flat near Independence.
"Inyo County Search and Rescue was called out to conduct the rescue.
"With the help of California Highway patrol Central Division Air Operations helicopter H40, two rescue team members were inserted via helicopter to Santa Rita Flat, while seven other team members followed in vehicles navigating a network for four-wheel drive roads.
"Several other team members and Sheriff’s coordinators supervised and supported the rescue from the SAR team’s base in Bishop."
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By a system of 'ropes, pulleys, and leverage', the rescue team were able to free the man's leg from the boulder.
Due to the severity of his injuries, a helicopter from US Naval Air Station Lemoore had to be called in to fly the man to a nearby hospital.
The volunteer team were working until 4am.
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The post went on: "Challenges encountered on this mission included coordination of multiple agencies and resources; accessing an accident scene in steep, loose rocky terrain; using limited resources to move a large boulder; managing a severely injured patient for several hours while awaiting the helicopter extrication; assisting in a nighttime helicopter hoist; all in chilly December darkness."
And people on social media have since praised the team for their undeniably amazing efforts.
"Amazing work on saving this man’s life under such dangerous conditions," one person penned.
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"Thank you Inyo County Search & Rescue and all agencies involved."
Another added: "Splendid job by all crews. Prepped and ready as always with kit and skills.
"Such a commitment to aiding those in need. My admiration is beyond measure."
The non-profit organization has not given a update on the man's injuries.
Niamh Shackleton