These scars tell a story of survival. Kuranui Viti, 15, is facing a long road to recovery after surviving a terrifying 15-metre cliff fall from an unofficial track at Mt Ngongotahā, followed by a life-threatening complication that almost led to the amputation of her leg.
“I went for a walk with a few people that I know and as I was walking up a very steep mountain, I fell off a cliff. A 15 metre cliff,” Kuranui Viti said.
“In that moment I couldn’t really feel anything but then it did kick in later on. I was in a lot of pain with my arm and both of my legs and everything was very sore,” she said.
The routine walk with friends quickly turned into a nightmare. Kuranui is lucky to be alive, having fallen at least 15 metres on the dangerous, unofficial path at the top of Old Quarry Road, in Western Heights.
The initial injuries were just the start of her ordeal. Following the fall, Kuranui battled a devastating E. Coli infection in her right knee that seriously complicated her recovery.
“It got really bad to my right knee. I would’ve had it amputated because I had this type of bacteria on my bone. It was called E. Coli or something like that,” she explained.
Despite the long and challenging road ahead, Kuranui who is wheelchair-ridden is holding onto her dreams of becoming a Culinary Chef. She also shared a powerful caution to anyone considering taking the track.
“I just hope when people walk up a track that high, just to be safe and to be mindful of your surroundings and where you’re walking but yeah just be careful.”
