Man saved 3 days after van falls 500 feet

Without food or water, driver apparently starts a brush fire to get help. He suffered cuts and bruises in Angeles National Forest crash Monday, officials say.

By Darleene Barrientos
News-Press

August 22, 2003

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST — A Los Angeles man who apparently started a brush fire to attract help is recovering today from minor injuries after firefighters rescued him from the ravine where he had been trapped since Monday.

Firefighters initially responded to a brush fire about 7:52 a.m. Thursday, a half-mile north of La Cañada Flintridge Country Club, Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Ed Osorio said. Firefighters found Jong Choi, 45, next to his dark green Chevrolet Astro van, California Highway Patrol Officer Vince Bell said. Choi had apparently driven his van off the Angeles Crest (2) Highway as he went to work.

Choi started the fire as a signal, Osorio said.

Choi started the fire about 50 feet away from his van, Osorio said, at a time when a light wind, morning moisture and cooler temperatures helped subdue the flames.

Starting a brush fire to get help is never a good idea, Osorio said, but, "he did choose a fairly good time, if he had to do it.

"He was 500 feet over the side of the road — there was no way he was going to climb his way up. Realistically, there was no way anyone was going to see or hear him," Osorio said.

The area is very dark and dense with brush, said Jay Paneno, Montrose Search and Rescue Team operations leader.

"If no one sees a car going over, that car could sit there for hours and days," Paneno said. Five members of his team were called to help Choi out of the area.

Choi was groggy Thursday from medication, Bell said, and because of the drugs, an injury near his mouth and a language barrier, he was only able to tell investigators the accident happened Monday.

After he was rescued, Choi was flown to Huntington Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for some cuts to his face, as well as bumps and bruises, hospital spokeswoman Connie Matthews said. Hospital officials planned to keep him for at least a day.

"We want to observe him for a day to make sure everything's OK," she said.