Thermal Crust in Yellowstone: Teen Suffers Severe Burns in Shocking Incident
A teenage hiker has suffered “significant” burns after stepping through a fragile thermal crust in Yellowstone National Park, officials have confirmed.
The 17-year-old was trekking near Lone Star Geyser, not far from the iconic Old Faithful, when disaster struck on Monday. While exploring the geothermal area, the teen’s foot suddenly broke through the delicate surface layer, plunging into scorching water and steam beneath.
“Emergency medical staff responded and transported the patient to a hospital for further treatment,” the park confirmed in a statement.
The young hiker’s exact condition has not been revealed, nor have officials confirmed whether he had wandered off the designated path when the accident occurred. His identity remains undisclosed.
“This incident is under investigation, and there is no additional information to share,” the National Park Service added.
This marks the first recorded thermal-related injury in Yellowstone this year. However, park authorities are no strangers to such incidents.
Last September, a 60-year-old woman from New Hampshire endured second- and third-degree burns after veering off trail with her husband and their leashed dog.
Like Monday’s victim, she stepped into a thermal zone and broke through the crust. She required helicopter evacuation for urgent care. Fortunately, her husband and dog were unharmed.
The dangers are very real. Yellowstone’s geothermal features may look picturesque, but beneath them lies peril. With some pools reaching nearly 93°C (200°F), a single misstep can prove catastrophic.
A particularly tragic case in 2016 underscored this danger. A 23-year-old man named Colin Scott died after he ventured hundreds of feet off the marked path, aiming to soak in a seemingly safe thermal pool.
When he leaned in to test the temperature, he slipped and fell into the superheated water. His sister, unable to rescue him, watched helplessly. Rangers later confirmed that Scott’s remains had dissolved overnight in the acidic waters, leaving nothing behind.
Park officials continually stress the importance of following marked trails, especially in geothermal zones. It’s not just about preserving nature, it’s about staying alive.
Yellowstone’s thermal features are a wonder to behold, but they are not to be taken lightly. A moment of curiosity or carelessness can lead to life-altering injury—or worse.
As investigations continue into the latest accident, visitors are once again urged to stay alert, stay cautious, and most importantly, stay on the path.
