Two men were hospitalized after being struck by lightning Wednesday while hiking on Humphreys Peak, the tallest mountain in Arizona, authorities said.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received a call just before 11 a.m. from the hikers, who reported being hit by lightning at the summit, which rises 12,633 feet north of Flagstaff.
Rescue crews established a command post at Arizona Snowbowl, near the trailhead, and launched a coordinated search. Attempts to reach the hikers by air were halted as storms intensified, forcing teams to ascend the mountain on foot.
Deputies reached one of the men around 2:45 p.m., who reported that his hiking companion had been forced to stop due to more severe injuries. A second team located the other victim about an hour later and carried him down using a rescue stretcher.
Both men sustained burn injuries from the lightning strike. One was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center by ambulance, while the other was taken by a family member for treatment. The rescue operation concluded around 6 p.m.
Authorities urged hikers to take precautions when storms develop, noting that Humphreys Peak’s exposed summit offers little protection once above the tree line.
When thunder or dark clouds appear, officials advise hikers to descend immediately and avoid open areas until the storm passes.
