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
Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners pulls out of Paramount’s bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners Withdraws from Paramount’s Ambitious Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition

Jared Kushner’s private equity firm, Affinity Partners, has reportedly decided to withdraw…
DNC Summer Meeting Shows Exactly Why They're Failing

Disability Advocate Challenges Tim Walz and Minnesota Officials on Fraud Allegations in State Hearing

We’ve been closely following the alarming fraud case in Minnesota, which is…
Maine 'mama bear' facing threats as parents battle to keep 8-year-old boy off girls' basketball team

Maine Controversy: Parents Clash Over 8-Year-Old Boy’s Inclusion in Girls’ Basketball Team Amidst Threats to Advocate

A mother from a coastal town in Maine has joined forces with…
Pics released of suspects wanted in Brooklyn Sweet 16 shooting that wounded 6 teens

Brooklyn Sweet 16 Tragedy: New Suspect Images Released in Teen Shooting Case

The New York Police Department has released surveillance images of two young…
JSO: Woman shot in face during argument with boyfriend at apartment in Jacksonville's Argyle Forest area

JSO Reports: Woman Sustains Facial Injury in Domestic Dispute at Jacksonville’s Argyle Forest Apartments

A shooting incident occurred at Lindsey Terrace Apartments, as reported by the…
Trump targets Maduro as Western Hemisphere becomes ‘first line of defense’ in new strategy

Trump Sets Sights on Maduro as Western Hemisphere Becomes ‘First Line of Defense’ in New Strategy

The Trump administration has significantly intensified its security measures in the Western…
Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell moved to new prison amid fight over answers, immunity

Ghislaine Maxwell Seeks to Overturn Conviction Ahead of Imminent File Release Deadline

Ghislaine Maxwell is urging a federal judge to overturn her conviction, citing…
Las Vegas men who pleaded guilty to mowing down retired police chief learn sentence

Las Vegas Duo Sentenced for Fatal Hit-and-Run of Retired Police Chief

Two men from Las Vegas, linked to a shocking incident in August…
Brown University shooting news: Investigators seek older video that might show shooter days before attack

Investigators Pursue Older Footage in Connection to Brown University Shooting Suspect

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — As the search for the shooter at Brown University…
Man stabbed on Charlotte light rail by twice-deported illegal immigrant says body is 'plenty' damaged

Desperate 911 Calls Surface After Alleged Train Stabbing by Illegal Immigrant in Charlotte

Recently released 911 recordings provide a harrowing glimpse into the desperate attempts…
Elgin woman Eulalia Vences sentenced for starving, torturing 7-year-old, Kane Co. State's Attorney says

Elgin Resident Eulalia Vences Sentenced for Abuse of 7-Year-Old, Reports Kane County Authorities

A woman from the west suburbs has been sentenced to 20 years…
Rob Reiner's son Nick appears in court for first time in parents' murder case

Hollywood Scandal: Nick Reiner’s Courtroom Debut in Gripping Parental Murder Case

On Tuesday, Nick Reiner faced charges in connection with the deaths of…