Weekend Whipper: Dangerous Rockfall at Birdsboro Quarry, Pennsylvania
Become a member to unlock this story and receive other great perks.
Already have an Outside Account? Sign in
All Access
Fall Sale
$1.52 / week*
- A $500 value with 25+ benefits including:
- Access to all member-only content on all 17 publications in the Outside network like Rock and Ice, Climbing, Outside, Backpacker, Trail Runner and more
- Annual subscription to Climbing magazine.
- Annual gear guides for climbing, camping, skiing, cycling, and more
- Gaia GPS Premium with hundreds of maps and global trail recommendations, a $39.99 value
- Today’s Plan training platform with customized training plans
- Premium access to Outside TV and 1,000+ hours of exclusive shows
- Annual subscription to Outside magazine
*Outside memberships are billed annually. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. More Details
Hwa “Fine” Han walked away from this fall in Birdsboro Quarry, Pennsylvania with “intense bruising” and “several stitches”—which she considers lucky. You’ll understand once you watch it….
“I was climbing on a 5.9 arete (aptly named Jenga) at Birdsboro Quarry to traverse over to work on a 5.12 called Zorro,” Han told Rock and Ice. She pulled on a block that came out—and with it another huge boulder.
“Thankfully I was already clipped to the first bolt so I avoided falling in the direction of the rockfall,” Han said. “Instead I swung into the wall on the right, slamming my body.”
Her belayer was safely sheltered on the other side of the arete, and the rockfall didn’t hit anyone else.
“This was my first freak accident in my five year climbing career and made me take some time to think about my relationship with climbing and risk assessment.” Han said. “I’m continuing to challenge my physical and mental limits but with more caution.”
Happy Friday and climb safe this weekend!