Man airlifted to hospital following off-road crash on steep cliff

YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. -- A 66-year-old man was airlifted to Yakima Regional Hospital following an off-road crash in Yakima County, according to the sheriff's office. It happened Sunday afternoon around 4:45 p.m. nine miles northeast of the SR-410 junction at Little Naches Road.

Officials said they extracted 66-year-old Allen Desteiguer from Vashon, Washington from a 1974 Land Rover. Desteiguer was reportedly unconscious and trapped under the vehicle when emergency crews arrived.

An off-duty Joint Base Lewis McCord service member helped take the victim up a steep hill where a LifeFlight helicopter flew him to the hospital, according to the sheriff's office.

Desteiguer suffered several broken ribs and lower back fractures. Deputies said his injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

Desteiguer was off-roading with other members of an off-road club, according to the sheriff's office.

Their investigation revealed the victim drove his Land Rover up a steep hill when the gears in the rear differential broke. That caused the car to roll backwards down the hill until it flipped and trapped Desteiguer inside.