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Yellowstone
National Park News Release Lightning Strike Injures Visitors to Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park officials report that several visitors were injured when a lightning strike hit the ground in front of Old Faithful Geyser. The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 21, 2005, at approximately 3:15 p.m. Visitors were on the boardwalk in front of Old Faithful Geyser, waiting for an eruption, when the incident occurred. The lightning strike did not hit anyone directly but did hit about 15 yards in front of the Old Faithful Geyser boardwalk, located a short distance from the Old Faithful Visitor Center. A 12-year-old park visitor was seriously injured. Two physicians and a nurse practitioner, who were visiting the park and also waiting for the eruption, were able to immediately provide CPR and resuscitate the young boy. Park staff immediately responded to the area and were able to provide additional care; the patient has been life-flighted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for additional care. Ten other individuals received immediate care and evaluation. Some of those individuals were seen at the Old Faithful Clinic for additional care. Some of those individuals are still being assessed; others have been treated and released. At the time of the incident report, a very intense storm cell was moving through the area, producing rain and hail as well as additional lightning strikes in and out of the area. The
incident is still under investigation, and there are no further details available
at this time
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