A 60-year-old woman from New Hampshire suffered third-degree burns while walking in a thermal area near Mallard Lake Trailhead at Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. She was walking off-trail with her husband and dog when she broke through a thin crust above scalding water, resulting in serious injuries to her lower leg. The woman was airlifted to a medical center for treatment, marking the first known thermal injury in Yellowstone this year. Visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution in hydrothermal areas by staying on designated boardwalks and trails, as the ground in these areas is thin with scorching water just below the surface. Pets are prohibited in these areas as well. The incident is under investigation by the park service. In past incidents, a hydrothermal explosion in July caused visitors to run for safety and actor Pierce Brosnan was fined for standing in off-limits thermal areas. Additionally, in August 2023, a man from Michigan was charged after burning himself in a thermal area while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Yellowstone officials emphasize the importance of following safety guidelines in order to prevent similar accidents.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
