Teen girl hurt after falling into water at Eno River Rock Quarry
A teen suffered minor injuries Sunday after she fell off of a cliff at Eno Rock Quarry, plummeting several feet into the water below at the popular swimming spot, Orange County authorities said.
Sheriff Charles Blackwood told WRAL News Sunday that the unidentified 15-year-old girl suffered minor cuts and bruises during the incident at Eno Rock Quarry, located at 4950 Howe Street in Orange County.
She was rushed for treatment to Duke University Hospital, where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Emergency workers were called to the scene shortly after 3 p.m., Blackwood said, adding that no foul play was suspected.
Blackwood said the spot where the girl fell is popular among local residents, but it is not open to the public for swimming.
"This has been a popular getaway (spot) for many years, and we have had many drownings and injuries here," Blackwood said. "It is posted (that) there are no lifeguards of any kind. As tempting as it may be to go swimming here on hot days, we wish folks wouldn’t put themselves at risk.”
The sheriff said the girl's brother was at the scene during the incident.
The park covers over 4,000 acres and more than 30 miles of trail.
There have been several incidents reported at the site, including two drownings reported since at least 2007. Park officials have said in the past they have received frequent emergency calls from people who were hurt after jumping off the cliff.
On Sunday, people who were at the park said they would be mindful about warnings posted at the site.
"I'm definitely going to be more cautious about it now," said Luis Geronimo.
Alexandra Najera said the remoteness of the scene could hamper any rescues if someone needs assistance.
"If the ambulance comes, there's a long walk to get you," she said. "It's not like they're just going to pull up and you're gonna be right there."
