IAF rescues US citizen in Ladakh

A US citizen stuck in Ladakh after getting injured during a trek was rescued by the Indian Air Force, officials said on Wednesday.

According to a statement, the rescue took place on Tuesday within hours of the US Embassy sending a request to the IAF to help in locating and rescuing Margaret Allen Stone.

Stone had gone for trekking to Ladakh and had been held up in Zhingchan area, 75 km from Leh, since September 6 due to injury.

Her condition had deteriorated during this prolonged period for lack of care and she was in a critical condition.

"The US Government informed IAF of the situation in the afternoon hours on 26 September," the IAF said.

Within hours, the exact location of Stone was ascertained with the help of the civil administration and by evening two IAF helicopters were able to locate her in the valley.

Stone was brought to a Leh hospital on Tuesday evening.

--IANS

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