Two people were rescued from a dry river bed at the Gap of Dunloe after they were apparently blown off their motorbike by a powerful gust of wind yesterday.

The accident occurred on a bridge at the narrowest point in the gap through the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks near Killarney.

Kerry Mountain Rescue were called to assist ambulance personnel and stretchered the injured man and woman for over 1km towards a waiting rescue helicopter.

The helicopter could not reach them because of the narrowness of the pass.

The pair were airlifted to Kerry General Hospital where the woman, who was a pillion passenger on the bike, remains with serious injuries to her back and hip.

The man was released from hospital.

The accident occurred at about 5 pm at the Turnpike Bridge as the pair made their way up towards the gap from the northern side.

It is believed they were hit by a powerful gust of wind.

The man and woman, both Irish, ended up three to four metres below on rough ground, with the woman wedged between rocks.

Kerry Mountain Rescue spokesman Damien Courtney said conditions were good but quite windy at the time and other people reported have experienced difficulties at the point yesterday.

Gardaí in Killarney are investigating.