European Tourist Suffers Severe Burns in Death Valley

PHOENIX (AP) — A 42-year-old Belgian tourist sustained third-degree burns on his feet while walking barefoot on the scorching sand dunes of California’s Death Valley National Park over the weekend. Park rangers reported that the man was quickly transported to a hospital in Nevada after the incident, which occurred during a brief walk at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Due to language barriers, it remains unclear whether his flip-flops were damaged or lost during his excursion. The extreme conditions in Death Valley, where air temperatures reached approximately 123 degrees Fahrenheit (50.5 Celsius), contributed to the severity of the burns. Rangers noted that ground temperatures can be significantly hotter than the air, posing a serious risk to visitors. The park has experienced record high temperatures this summer, prompting rangers to take swift action by transporting the injured man to a higher elevation for a medical helicopter pickup. The University Medical Center in Las Vegas, which houses the Lions Burn Care Center, received the patient. The center typically treats burn victims from the surrounding urban areas, where hot surfaces like asphalt and concrete can lead to severe injuries. Similar thermal injuries are also prevalent in Arizona, particularly in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix. In light of recent incidents, park rangers are urging summer visitors to avoid hiking in Death Valley after 10 a.m. and to remain within a short distance of air-conditioned vehicles. They recommend staying hydrated, consuming salty snacks, and using sun protection to mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat.