Update: Victim Rescued After Driving Off Old Priest Grade

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Update at 12:10 pm: The woman who was injured in the crash on Old Priest Grade on Sunday morning has been identified by the CHP as 36-year-old Alexandria Nelson of Modesto. She was driving a 2021 Subaru when she went off the grade and 250 feet down the embankment. She suffered injuries and was airlifted to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.

Original story posted at 6:53 am: Groveland, CA — A vehicle traveled off Old Priest Grade on Sunday morning and it prompted a significant rescue operation.

The Tuolumne County Fire Department reports that the driver went 250 feet off the roadway shortly after 7:30 am, suffered serious injuries, and was trapped inside.

Several agencies responded to assist the rescue effort, including Cal Fire, Groveland Fire, Tuolumne County Ambulance, the CHP, and others.

The Tuolumne County Fire Department reports, “Recognizing the steep and challenging terrain, CHP Fresno Copter H40 was requested to perform a hoist rescue operation. With precision and coordination, the ground crews successfully rescued the occupant from the vehicle and initiated medical treatment. The team then secured the patient to the hoist and facilitated their safe transfer to Columbia-based PHI-42 waiting at a nearby helipad coordinated by Tuolumne County Fire Department Chinese Camp Volunteer Engine 612.”

Details regarding the victim were not immediately released.