5 individuals rescued from dangerous pond after SUV plunges into Yellowstone geyser

In Yellowstone National Park, five individuals narrowly escaped a dangerous situation when the SUV they were traveling in veered off the road and plunged into an inactive hot, acidic geyser. The incident occurred near the Semi-Centennial Geyser thermal pool, where the passengers managed to extricate themselves from the scalding 105-degree Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius) water following the crash. Park spokesperson Morgan Warthin confirmed that the individuals, whose identities have not been disclosed, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The aftermath of the accident led to a temporary closure of the road for approximately two hours as authorities worked to retrieve the submerged SUV from nine feet of water. The Semi-Centennial Geyser, which has remained dormant since a significant eruption in 1922, is situated in the vicinity of Roaring Mountain, nestled between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Junction within the park. Yellowstone National Park boasts a diverse array of hydrothermal features, with over 10,000 such phenomena scattered throughout the area, offering visitors a unique and captivating natural experience. Despite the harrowing ordeal, the swift actions of the passengers in self-rescue and the subsequent emergency response underscore the importance of vigilance and preparedness when exploring the park's geologically active landscapes. Park officials have refrained from disclosing the names of those involved in the incident, emphasizing that a thorough investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of Yellowstone's geothermal features and the need for caution while navigating the park's diverse terrain.