Two men were rescued after being struck by lightning on Torreys Peak in Colorado, marking what might be the highest helicopter rescues ever recorded in the state. One man is currently in fair condition in a hospital, while the other has been treated and released.
The incident took place late Thursday near the summit of Torreys Peak, which stands at 14,300 feet, about 40 miles from Denver. This peak is known as one of the highest in Colorado, just slightly shorter than the state’s tallest mountain, Mount Elbert.
The men, who are from New York state, ventured to the mountain during a road trip, according to Jake Smith, a spokesperson for the Alpine Rescue Team. They initially called for help around 5 p.m. after getting lost on a more difficult climbing route. A simpler path exists that doesn’t require special climbing gear.
Smith mentioned that the men seemed inexperienced, suggesting a lack of awareness might have contributed to their predicament. Rescuers helped them get back on track, and they reached the summit. Shortly after, one of the men reported being struck by lightning.
In response, about 30 rescuers headed up the mountain, while others used a Blackhawk helicopter from the Colorado National Guard to rescue the more seriously injured man, who was in critical condition. The helicopter hoisted him from an altitude of 14,200 feet, and he was flown to a local hospital and then to a specialized burn unit in Denver.
Rescue teams believe this operation set a new record for helicopter rescues at high altitudes, surpassing the previous record of 13,700 feet. Rescues at such heights are challenging due to the reduced lifting capacity of helicopters in thin air, with the Blackhawk functioning effectively up to around 19,000 feet.
For safety, hikers and climbers are generally advised to begin their journeys in the morning and avoid the high country in the afternoon, especially during summer when thunderstorms can arise suddenly, bringing with them dangerous conditions like lightning and hail.
