SUV crash in Bighorn forces pair to overnight in wilderness

A man and woman were taken tohospital after spending a night in the wild whentheir SUV lost control and crashed downembankment.

EMS responded to the scene off the gravel road near the Fallen Creek South Recreation Areain the MD of Bighorn on Highway 579 nearHighway 40Monday morning around 10 a.m. MT.

"Indications were an SUV may have lost control and left the road last evening around8 p.m." said EMS spokesperson Stuart Brideaux in a release."The vehicle rolled and slid down an embankment landing approximately 200feet from the road."

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The pair were able to get out of the vehicle, but not able to contact emergency crews.

The man, 41, and woman, 42, from Didsburybuilt a fire for warmth and to signal for help. They were able to contact emergency officials Monday morning.

Rescue officials described the terrain as "dense."RCMP say the Cochraneand Ghost fire departments conducted a high-angle rope rescue.

STARS air ambulance attended the scene to airlift the man on astretcher out of the area.He wastransported to the Foothills hospital in serious but non-life-threatening condition with back and leg injuries.

The woman was able to walk out on her own, but was taken toDidsburyhospital by ground EMS in stable and non-life threatening condition with a broken collarbone.

"Both were suffering from mild exposure due to being outside all night," said Brideaux.

RCMP are investigating the crash, but say alcohol appearsnot to bea factor.