IDF soldier rescued after falling into pit during training

an IDF combat soldier from an elite unit was rescued after falling into a pit south of Beit Shemesh during training.

 Rescue efforts to rescue soldier from pit, September 22, 2021 (photo credit: Etzion-Yehuda Rescue Unit)
Rescue efforts to rescue soldier from pit, September 22, 2021
(photo credit: Etzion-Yehuda Rescue Unit)

A soldier was rescued with light wounds on Wednesday evening after falling into a pit during military training near Nehusha, south of Beit Shemesh, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said.

The soldier was rescued while conscious and transferred to a hospital. His family was notified.

Emergency teams arrived in the area earlier in the evening and located the soldier, a combat soldier from an elite unit who was present at the scene as part of training, while conscious and complaining of pain in his legs. The background of the incident is under investigation.

  Rescue efforts to rescue soldier from pit, September 22, 2021 (credit: Etzion-Yehuda Rescue Unit)
Rescue efforts to rescue soldier from pit, September 22, 2021 (credit: Etzion-Yehuda Rescue Unit)

Jerusalem District Police stated that volunteers from the Etzion-Yehuda rescue unit, including search, medical and rescue teams, were called to the area along with police forces. Troops from Unit 669 of the Israeli Air Force and fire crews were also called in to assist in the rescue.

IDF Central Command commander Yehuda Fox, in coordination with Ground Forces commander Yoel Strick, decided on Thursday to establish a team of experts headed by an officer with the rank of colonel to investigate the incident and other similar incidents.