Dirt bike rider airlifted out of Southern California mountains after crash

A dirt bike rider had to be airlifted to safety after injuring himself in a remote area of the San Bernardino National Forest Monday, officials announced.  

The rescue, according to a San Bernardino County Fire Department news release posted to X, occurred just before 11:30 a.m. not far from Silverwood Lake.  

“Since the incident occurred in such an extremely remote area, the decision was made to utilize a helicopter with hoisting capabilities to safely remove the rider,” officials said.  

Details about the actual crash are limited and it’s unclear what exactly caused the incident, but officials said the man suffered moderate lower leg injury that was serious enough to prompt a rescue operation.  

Footage of the incident released by SBCFD, who was assisted by first responders with the San Bernardino National Forest, shows the helicopter landing on a paved mountain road after pulling out the injured rider.  

The man was taken out of the helicopter on a gurney and wheeled to a waiting ambulance for transport to a local trauma center.  

This rescue comes just a day after a motorcyclist in the Cajon Pass plummeted approximately 100 feet over a hillside and had to be rescued by SBCFD crews. In that instance, footage showed first responders using a rope rescue system to pull the injured rider out because high winds and nearby power line prevented a helicopter operation.  

“The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District reminds off-road riders to ride with a buddy, wear full protective gear, carry a charged phone and know your location,” fire officials said.