12-year-old boy injured during climb in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – A 12-year-old boy was seriously injured after falling while navigating a popular climbing formation in Flagstaff.

Coconino County sheriff’s officials said Monday the child fell roughly 20 feet (6.1 metres) and suffered injuries to his head and wrist.

According to authorities, the boy and his family, who are from the Phoenix area, were on a natural climbing area known as The Pit.

Rescuers used a basket litter to transport the child to an ambulance.

Investigators say further inspection determined that carabiners on his equipment had broken and were not fit for climbing.

Sheriff’s deputies say climbers need to routinely inspect their equipment.