When two guys from New York were hiking up a mountain in Colorado and were struck by lightning, they were evacuated to safety in what is thought to be the highest-altitude helicopter rescue that has ever been documented in the state of Colorado.
The two individuals, who have not been recognised, made a request for assistance at approximately five o’clock on Thursday evening.
They had been disoriented while attempting to ascend Torreys Peak, which is one of the highest mountains in the state at 14,300 feet.
As a representative for the Alpine Rescue Team, Jack Smith stated, “It didn’t sound like they had a tonne of experience.”
Smith also mentioned that the two individuals made the decision to climb the peak when they were on a road trip across the state of Colorado.
I believe that it was most likely just a lack of awareness on their part.
A few minutes later, emergency crews had barely taken the men back on track when they were struck by lightning. As a result, one of the hikers was rendered unconscious and is currently in critical condition.
Approximately thirty rescue workers climbed the mountain while a Black Hawk helicopter belonging to the Colorado National Guard carried the injured man off the peak at an altitude of 14,200 feet.
Following that, he was rushed to the burn unit of a hospital in Denver, where he is currently in a state that is equal to fair.
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Around midnight, the helicopter made its way back to the mountain in order to rescue the other injured man. It landed on the mountain for a brief moment before transporting him to a local hospital for treatment and eventual discharge.
It is believed by emergency personnel that the daring rescue broke the previous record for the state, which was 13,700 feet.
Such missions are difficult to accomplish because the air is thinner at higher altitudes, which reduces the lift that a helicopter can achieve.
Around 19,000 feet is the maximum height that the Black Hawk can reach.
The eleventh highest peak in Colorado is Torreys Peak, which is located in Wyoming.
