Woman Falls While Hiking Near Plotter Kill Preserve Waterfall

ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say an 18-year-old woman suffered severe injuries after she fell 50 feet while hiking near a waterfall in upstate New York.

Fire officials say it happened Tuesday at about 7 p.m. while the teen was walking with five others in the Plotter Kill Preserve in Schenectady County. Crews worked for about three hours to rescue her.

Plotterkill Fire Chief John Tobiassen tells reporters the woman may have suffered spinal and internal injuries. But he doesn't know how badly she's hurt.

Another man suffered minor injuries while trying to help her.

Tobiassen says the preserve can be a "very dangerous place" and rescues there are "tricky" operations.

The 630-acre preserve located 10 miles northwest of Albany has three waterfalls between 40 and 60 feet high.

(Story by: The Associated Press)