Boys Who Fell Into 100-Foot Mine Pit Were ‘Extremely Lucky’

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Two 15-year-old boys had a lot of luck on their side after falling into a 100-foot mine pit over the weekend near the Mesabi Trail.

When first responders arrived at the scene, they found one boy clinging to the cliff with his hand wedged behind a boulder.

The other boy had fallen all the way to the water level below.

Crews used ropes to extricate the teen higher up.  The other rescue was helped by boat.

The injuries to the boys were minor.

Officials said the teens were doing some exploring before getting into trouble.

Erik Jonassen, chief deputy for the Virginia Fire Department, spoke to FOX 9 about the rescue. He said the boys were “extremely lucky.” Click here for that interview.