Lightning Strikes Near Old Faithful Geyser, 11 Injured

[matcom]

<snip>

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. -- Lightning struck near a boardwalk Tuesday where a crowd had gathered to watch an eruption of the Old Faithful Geyser, injuring 11 people, one seriously.

The lightning bolt hit the ground in front of the geyser, near the Old Faithful Visitor Center, said park spokeswoman Cheryl Matthews. It did not strike anyone directly.

The most badly injured was a 12-year-old boy. Two doctors and a nurse were among the visitors and resuscitated him, and he was flown to a hospital in Idaho Falls.

The other 10 people were cared for at the scene, Matthews said.

The lightning was part of an intense mid-afternoon storm that also produced heavy rain and hail.

http://www.wftv.com/irresistible/4637864/detail.html

[liberal N proud]

1. The NP service has a really good first aid center at Old Faithful

So better there than anywhere else in the park.

[Zomby Woof]

2. I have hiked that boardwalk

In fact, it was on 9-11. It was my Dad's birthday and we had the trip planned for months. It's a nice hike of the geyser and hot springs basin... the visitor's center nearby is staffed well.

Yellowstone has its own climate. It can vary widely in the park at short distances, so I won't fault these people. Change can occur quickly.

Everyone should see Yellowstone at least once.