This Climbing Fall is the Stuff of Nightmares

Italian climber Michele Caminati suffered a nightmarish fall while projecting the route Elder Statesman (E7 7b) in England’s Peak District. After falling near the top of the route, his rope ran over a sharp edge and was cut in half. Caminati fell nearly 25 feet to the ground, landing on his belayer. Both suffered concussions, and Caminati broke his hand and ankle.

After his fall, Caminati stated that he wanted to climb the route in traditional European style, with a single 10mm rope and no helmet, after projecting it with twin ropes and more protection.