Belgian Tourist Hospitalized After Severe Burns in Death Valley

A 42-year-old Belgian tourist was hospitalized on Saturday after suffering third-degree burns to his feet while walking in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes of Death Valley National Park, California. The incident occurred as temperatures soared above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, with the air temperature recorded at 123 degrees. The man lost his shoes during a brief walk, exposing his feet to the scorching ground, which was significantly hotter than the air temperature. Park rangers quickly assessed the situation and determined that the severity of the burns necessitated immediate medical attention. Initial attempts to airlift the man to a hospital were thwarted by adverse flying conditions caused by the extreme heat. Third-degree burns, which can destroy skin layers and potentially damage underlying tissues, require urgent care, as noted by Stanford Medicine. This incident follows a series of heat-related fatalities in Death Valley, including the recent death of a motorcyclist from heat exposure just two weeks prior. The park has experienced unprecedented heat this month, with 20 days exceeding 120 degrees and nine consecutive days above 125 degrees, marking one of the longest streaks on record. Despite the extreme temperatures, Death Valley National Park remains a popular destination, attracting approximately 1.1 million visitors in 2023. The park is known for its harsh climate, drawing tourists who seek to experience one of the hottest places on Earth, even amid warnings about the dangers of heat exposure.