Breaking News:

Two injured by lightning strike at Horseshoe Bend overlook

Aug 14, 2024, 8:17 AM | Updated: Aug 19, 2024, 8:40 pm

Blue water forms Horseshoe Bend...

Horseshoe Bend (Page Police Department)

(Page Police Department)

PAGE, Ariz. — Two people were struck by lightning while visiting Horseshoe Bend on Monday. Horseshoe Bend is in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. 

According to a press release from the National Park Service, the two victims are female, aged 22 and 23. One is from the Netherlands and the other is from Australia. 

They were struck just before 4 p.m. 

Classic Air Medical and the City of Page Fire Department quickly responded, assisting NPS rangers with on-scene patient care. 

In a post on Facebook, Page Police Department wrote that officers and rangers temporarily evacuated the area so that two helicopters could land. 

Both of the victims were flown to St. George Regional Hospital. Their conditions are unknown. 

Stay safe during storms 

The Page PD’s Facebook post said that a severe storm brought heavy rain to the area. Some visitors got caught in the storm while visiting Horseshoe Bend. 

The police department reminded visitors of the recreation area to use caution during storms. Lightning and flash flooding are common. 

The National Weather Service said no outdoor location is safe during a thunderstorm.

According to the website, “If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance.” 

At the first sign of thunder, move indoors to protect yourself from a lightning strike. 

If you are heading outside, check the forecast before you leave. During your adventure, monitor weather conditions. If the weather changes for the worst, begin heading to a safe place. 

According to the NWS, safe places include “substantial” buildings and cars with hard tops. Small sheds and open vehicles are not safe. 

Wait 30 minutes after the last sight of lightning or the sound of thunder before going back outside. 

If you cannot get inside of a car or building, the United States Department of Agriculture gave some backup safety tips. 

First, stay low. Avoid elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, and peaks. Lightning strikes tall objects. 

Do not continue holding on to metal objects or wet items. They conduct electricity. Furthermore, if you are on a bike, motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, or horse, get off. 

Third, if you are on a body of water, get to shore and stay 100 yards from the waterline. If you are unable to, crouch low within your boat. 

Finally, if you are near someone who has been struck by lightning, call for help immediately. While you wait, perform CPR and remain with the victim. 

Related: Meteorologist says incoming storms could come with microbursts

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Protesters rally outside the Ogden Municipal Building on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025....

DARBY SPARKS, KSL TV

Anti-Trump protestors speak in small Ogden rally Saturday

At the Ogden Municipal Building downtown, a little over 50 people gathered to protest the current Trump Administration on the building’s front steps.

5 hours ago

FILE — The logo of the Utah Highway Patrol. A wrong-way driver crashed into oncoming traffic on S...

Carlysle Price

Wrong-way driver reaches high speeds on I-15, hospitalizes 3

Three people have been hospitalized after a wrong-way driver crashed into oncoming traffic on I-15.

6 hours ago

Nutritious food...

Michelle Lee

Nutritious food is good for your mood

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Gabriela Murza with USU's HEART Initiative to learn how nutritious food can improve our mental health.

7 hours ago

Utah lawmakers are considering a measure to boost funds for schools to help them deal with students...

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com

Utah bill promises more funding for schools teaching English as a second language

As Utah lawmakers weigh whether to allocate more money to help Utah schools contend with increasing numbers of English-language learners, state data shows 13 districts and a charter school would potentially qualify for the funding.

18 hours ago

Layton City Fire Department warns the public about slippery roads on Saturday....

Kennedy Camarena

Car accidents pile up over the weekend

The snowy weather on Presidents' Day Weekend has led to numerous accidents across Utah.

19 hours ago

Three years since it was completed, Amazon is reportedly going to start package delivery operations...

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com

Amazon may start distribution operations at Marriott-Slaterville facility this year

A vacant 3-year-old facility meant to be an Amazon distribution center is in the process of getting upgrades so it can finally enter into operation.

22 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Two injured by lightning strike at Horseshoe Bend overlook