Last week, a pair of hikers from New York were rescued after being struck by lightning near the summit of Torreys Peak, a 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado. The incident occurred late Thursday during a road trip hike, after they became disoriented while climbing a more technical route. Rescuers believe the rescue sets a new altitude record for helicopter operations in Colorado.
The men had just reached the summit when one of them called to report the lightning strike. Approximately 30 rescuers responded, and a Colorado National Guard Blackhawk helicopter hoisted the more critically injured man, who was unresponsive, from an altitude of 14,200 feet. He was taken to a hospital with a burn unit for treatment and was reported to be in fair condition the next day.
The second, less seriously injured man was picked up around midnight when the helicopter partially landed on the peak. Alpine Rescue Team member Jake Smith notes that afternoon storms in the Rockies can form quickly and are often dangerous. The previous helicopter rescue altitude record in Colorado was believed to be 13,700 feet, making this mission the highest of its kind in the state.
Source: ABC NEWS