Mountain rescue teams called to aid of man who jumped off Neath Valley waterfall and suffered spinal injuries

Mountain rescue teams and coastguard helicopters were scrambled to help a man who jumped off Sgwd Gwladus waterfalls near Glynneath on Saturday (13 August).

The man, who received suspected broken legs and spinal injuries was airlifted to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

The Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team said: “We were requested to respond to Sgwd Gladys near Pontneddfechan to a male who had jumped of the fall and broken his legs and had possible spinal injuries.

“With the severity of the incident we requested assistance from our neighbouring team Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team and helicopter from Maritime and Coastguard Agency rescue 187.

“Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service – EMRTS Wales helicopter was also in attendance.

“The casualty was packaged in a vacuum mattress and then winched from the scene for transport to UHW Cardiff for treatment.

“We wish the casualty a speedy recovery.”

(Lead image: Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team)