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Yellowstone National Park News
Release
June 21, 2005
Lightning
Strike Injures Visitors to Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park officials
report that several visitors were injured when a lightning strike
hit the ground in front of Old Faithful Geyser. The incident occurred
on Tuesday, June 21, 2005, at approximately 3:15 p.m.
Visitors were on the boardwalk in front
of Old Faithful Geyser, waiting for an eruption, when the incident
occurred. The lightning strike did not hit anyone directly but did
hit about 15 yards in front of the Old Faithful Geyser boardwalk,
located a short distance from the Old Faithful Visitor Center.
A 12-year-old park visitor was seriously
injured. Two physicians and a nurse practitioner, who were visiting
the park and also waiting for the eruption, were able to immediately
provide CPR and resuscitate the young boy. Park staff immediately
responded to the area and were able to provide additional care;
the patient has been life-flighted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical
Center for additional care.
Ten other individuals received immediate
care and evaluation. Some of those individuals were seen at the
Old Faithful Clinic for additional care. Some of those individuals
are still being assessed; others have been treated and released.
At the time of the incident report,
a very intense storm cell was moving through the area, producing
rain and hail as well as additional lightning strikes in and out
of the area.
The incident is still under investigation,
and there are no further details available at this time
INFORMATION FOR THE MEDIA CONTACT:
CHERYL MATTHEWS
(307) 344-2010
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