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Lightning strike injures two

A visiting couple from California were injured Saturday when lightning struck a tree they were standing under.

According to Park Public Affairs Officer Maureen Oltrogge, the pair were near the outdoor worship site on Rim Trail, west of Bright Angel Lodge, when the lightning struck.

One of the victims, a 55-year-old man, went into full cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated. Because of continued thunderstorm activity, he had to be transported by ground ambulance to Valle, where he was picked up by air ambulance and transferred to Flagstaff Medical Center.

His companion, a 47-year-old woman, suffered burns to her legs and chest and was transported by ground ambulance to Flagstaff.

Another visitor called 911 at about 11:48 a.m.

Oltrogge warned that during thunderstorm activity, people should avoid the Rim and seek shelter inside a building or a car. She said that the park's publication, The Guide, contains more information on how to stay safe during storms.


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