2 New Yorkers struck by lightning while hiking on Colorado peak were saved in record-high state helicopter rescue
Share this @internewscast.com

It was a striking view.

Two men from New York were struck by lightning while hiking a peak in Colorado and were subsequently airlifted to safety, marking what is believed to be the state’s highest-altitude helicopter rescue.

The pair, whose identities have not been released, called for assistance on Thursday at approximately 5 p.m. after deviating from their intended path while trying to ascend Torreys Peak, which is one of Colorado’s tallest mountains, standing at 14,300 feet.

“It appears they lacked significant experience,” said Jack Smith, a spokesperson for the Alpine Rescue Team. He explained that the men decided to scale the peak during a road trip through Colorado.

“I think it was probably just a lack of awareness.”

Emergency crews had just steered the men back on course when they were zapped by lightning minutes later — leaving one hiker unresponsive and in critical condition.

About 30 rescuers ascended the mountain while a Colorado National Guard Black Hawk chopper hoisted the injured man off the peak at 14,200 feet.

He was then rushed to the burn unit of a Denver hospital, where he remains in fair condition.

The helicopter returned around midnight to rescue the other wounded man, briefly touching down on the mountain before he was treated and released from a nearby hospital.

Emergency personnel believe the daring rescue shattered the state’s previous record of 13,700 feet — with such missions a challenge due to thinning air reducing a chopper’s lift at higher altitudes.

The Black Hawk’s max ceiling is around 19,000 feet.

Torreys Peak stands as the 11th-highest summit in Colorado.

With Post wires

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago crime: Police release video of suspects in deadly Little Village shooting at 26th Street, St. Louis Avenue

Chicago Police Share Video of Suspects in Fatal Little Village Shooting on 26th & St. Louis

In a bid to advance their investigation into a tragic shooting, the…
Rep. Max Miller's divorce from Sen. Bernie Moreno's daughter gets ugly

Rep. Max Miller’s Divorce from Sen. Bernie Moreno’s Daughter Intensifies

WASHINGTON — Ohio Representative Max Miller is embroiled in a contentious custody…
Spirit Airlines could be used to transport troops, military cargo if Trump admin takes over bankrupt carrier: report 

Trump’s Bold Plan: Transforming Bankrupt Spirit Airlines into a Military Transport Fleet

The White House is reportedly weighing a plan to assume control of…
2 Washington men spent decades under identities taken from dead children: police

Decades-Long Identity Fraud Uncovered: Washington Men Used Deceased Children’s Identities, Police Report

Two men in their 50s face allegations of assuming the identities of…
Man confesses to dismembering father, stuffing remains in suitcases as DNA finally solves cold case: police

DNA Breakthrough Solves Decades-Old Cold Case: Man Admits to Dismembering Father and Hiding Remains in Suitcases

Recent advancements in DNA technology have shed light on a decades-old mystery…
Biological male killer housed in Oregon women's prison wins high-dollar legal settlement in sex abuse suit

Transgender Inmate Secures Significant Legal Settlement in Oregon Women’s Prison Abuse Case

A convicted murderer who transitioned from male to female while incarcerated has…
Billionaire John Catsimatidis celebrates first weekend as minor-league baseball manager

Billionaire John Catsimatidis Takes on New Role as Minor-League Baseball Manager

In a bold move intertwining sports with business, billionaire John Catsimatidis is…
Passport to Illinois Part 3: Touring Cantigny, Haymarket Martyrs Monument and more

Explore Illinois: Discover Cantigny Park, Haymarket Martyrs Monument & More on Your Ultimate Passport Adventure

CHICAGO — As the United States gears up to celebrate its 250th…
Teen killed in Mall of Louisiana mass shooting identified, 1 suspect arrested

Tragic Mall of Louisiana Shooting: Teen Victim Identified as Authorities Arrest Suspect

A 17-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a shooting at the…
USF missing students: Body found on Howard Franklin bridge ID'd as Zamil Limon; Nahida Bristy still missing; roommate is charged

Tragic Discovery: Zamil Limon’s Body Found on Howard Franklin Bridge While Search for Nahida Bristy Continues; Roommate Faces Charges

In Tampa, Florida, authorities have discovered the body of one of two…
Florida woman allegedly killed two ex-lovers the same day, and police found out when she asked 'Which one?'

Florida Woman Allegedly Commits Double Homicide of Former Partners, Inquiry Prompted by Her Question ‘Which One?

Prosecutors in Florida are pursuing the death penalty for a woman charged…
Irvine police search for suspect in $3K Gelson’s wine theft

Irvine Authorities Launch Search for Suspect in $3,000 Gelson’s Wine Heist

A fine appreciation for upscale wine has led one suspect into serious…