Man Falls into Volcanic Vent on Mount Hood

(Timberline Ridge, OR) -- A climber on Mt. Hood is hospitalized with serious injuries after he fell into a volcanic vent. Officials say 28-year-old George Stevens of Idaho was on the mountain with two friends when it happened Tuesday. Stevens was attempting to snowboard down from the Hogsback snow ridge when he lost control in icy conditions and fell into the vent that has toxic gasses. 20 volunteer rescuers responded; one was equipped with a respirator and gas monitors then lowered down to Stevens. They were then able to hoist him to the surface.

It was the third rescue on the mountain in the last five days.