In this photo provided by the National Park Service, a sports utility vehicle is pulled from the inactive Semi-Centennial Geyser in the Wyoming area of Yellowstone National Park on Friday, July 12, 2024. The passengers were able to get out of the acidic, 105 degree Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius) water on their own and were taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries after the crash Thursday morning, park spokesperson Morgan Warthin said in a statement. (National Park Service via AP)
Yellowstone National Park is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique geothermal features, but a recent incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk within the park’s boundaries. Five individuals were rescued from a hot, acidic pond in Yellowstone National Park after their SUV crashed into an inactive geyser.
The incident occurred on a sunny afternoon when a family of five was driving through the park and veered off the road, crashing into the edge of an inactive geyser. The impact caused the vehicle to plunge into a nearby pond that was filled with hot, acidic water. The family was trapped inside the sinking SUV, struggling to escape the rapidly filling vehicle.
Fortunately, park rangers were quick to respond to the scene and sprang into action to rescue the trapped individuals. Using specialized equipment and training, the rangers were able to extract the family from the submerged vehicle and transport them to safety.
The individuals were immediately taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment of their injuries, which included burns from the hot water and acid in the pond. While all five individuals survived the harrowing ordeal, they are expected to face a long road to recovery from their injuries.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale for visitors to Yellowstone National Park, highlighting the importance of staying on designated roads and trails and obeying all posted signs and warnings. The park’s geothermal features are not only beautiful but also potentially dangerous, with scalding hot water, acidic pools, and unstable ground posing serious risks to those who venture off the beaten path.
Park officials are urging visitors to exercise caution and respect the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park. By staying on designated paths and following safety guidelines, visitors can enjoy all that the park has to offer while minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.
As for the family involved in this frightening incident, they are grateful to the park rangers who came to their rescue and are determined to make a full recovery from their injuries. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance when exploring the wonders of Yellowstone National Park.
