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Teen rescued after falling into Northern California mine shaft

Cal Fire speaks on mine shaft dangers after Auburn teen rescued
Cal Fire speaks on mine shaft dangers after Auburn teen rescued 02:54

AUBURN — A 15-year-old boy was rescued from a Northern California mine shaft, officials said Monday. 

It happened in the Placer County city of Auburn near China Bar in the Auburn State Recreation Area, the California State Parks department said. 

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Cal Fire NEU

The teenager was exploring a Gold Rush-era mine shaft that was about six feet deep and 30 feet back when he fell and became stuck. After about 15 minutes, a friend who was with the teen called for help. 

It took approximately 40 minutes to safely rescue the teen, who was taken to an area hospital for evaluation, officials said. The teen did not suffer any major injuries.

State parks officials said Cal Fire personnel conducted the rescue, while first responders from the city of Auburn all assisted with the call.

California State Parks said it "advises the public to not explore any of these historic mine shafts as they are unstable and are known to have steep drop-offs."

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