SUV Falls 1,000 Feet Off Cliff Near Mount Rainier National Park, Driver Killed

Correction: An earlier version of this article reported that the accident happened inside Mount Rainier National Park. The accident did not happen inside the park, but in a wilderness area outside of it.

FAIRFAX, WA - One person died Saturday when an SUV drove over a cliff at an off-road vehicle park in the wilderness outside of Mount Rainier National Park. A second person was injured in the crash and airlifted from the scene. The accident happened at the Evans Creek off-road vehicle park, which is west of Mount Rainier off of SR 165.

The accident was first reported around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, according to East Pierce Fire and Rescue. The injured person was ejected from the car and was trapped down an embankment.

According to a statement from the Pierce County Sheriff's Office given to the Tacoma News Tribune, the SUV, a, Jeep Wrangler, fell about 1,000 feet off the cliff.

Rescue crews were able to retrieve the injured passenger at around 9:30 p.m. Saturday. He was taken to a hospital in Seattle for treatment. Crews were still working to recover the body of the deceased driver.

Evans Creek is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts, and attracts ATV and SUV drivers. The park is mainly comprised of former logging roads.

Image Patch.com file photo