Two overseas tourists in their early 20s were struck by a lightning bolt while visiting Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on Monday, the National Park Service (NPS) said.
The two women, one from the Netherlands and one from Australia, “sustained injuries,” the NPS said in a statement.
Their ages were given as 22 and 23.
The City of Page Fire Department and Classic Air Medical arrived to assist the NPS Rangers in providing medical care. The two women were airlifted to St. George Regional Hospital in Utah for further treatment.
The incident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. as the pair enjoyed the views near the rim of Horseshoe Bend, a popular spot along the Colorado River known for its breathtaking vistas.
The lightning strike came with little warning, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the weather in the area.
“Visitors are advised to use caution while visiting exposed outdoor areas and be aware of changing weather conditions,” the NPS said.
The agency urges visitors to the area to remain vigilant about weather changes, especially during the monsoon season, which typically runs from mid-June through September in Arizona and from July through September in Utah. The two states are home to Glen Canyon.
Lightning strikes during these months pose a significant risk to anyone outdoors in the area, the agency said. It explained that when people hear thunder, they are already within striking distance of lightning and should “immediately seek shelter in a vehicle or building.”
During the monsoon months, desert thunderstorms also carry the additional threat of flash floods.
“Flash floods are the artists who carve the intricate curves of slot canyons,” the NPS said. “They are also the assassins of anyone who may be in their paths.”
Visitors are advised to regularly check the weather forecast and take heed when thunderclouds are approaching.
20 Fatalities Each Year
According to data from the National Weather Service, lightning kills about 20 people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured.
The intense electric charges of lighting may lead to temporary or permanent health issues—both mental and physical. Typical physical injuries include burns, cardiac arrest, coma, headaches, buzzing in the ears, etc., while reported mental problems include memory loss, depression, “psychic abilities,” and brain fog.