Man with broken legs survives in ditch for three days

A man who broke both his legs when he fell into a ravine in New Mexico has been found alive nearly three days later after crawling out onto a highway and getting help from a driver.

When Jeffrey Darling, 48, first tumbled into the ditch last week he attempted to ring police on his mobile but was unable to tell them exactly where he was located. Then, his phone battery died.

An initial search for Mr Darling turned up nothing.

"When we started the search, we didn’t have much to go on," said Deputy Chief Craig Daugherty of the San Juan County Fire Department told the Daily Times.

"We were scattered all across the place trying to find him."

Three days later Mr Darling emerged on the corner of a US highway and flagged down a passing motorist.

Police believe Mr Darling fell into the ravine because he suffers from vision problems.

Sheriff’s Detective Lt Cory Tanner said that it is "incredible" Mr Darling survived the ordeal.

"He survived the coldest nights of winter we’ve had so far," he said.

Mr Darling apparently set a fire for warmth, but upon rescue he told medics he badly needed food and water.