A violent lightning strike occurred in a national park, injuring two tourists.
The women were airlifted to a Utah hospital on Monday after suffering injuries sustained while visiting Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, according to the National Park Service.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is located on the Utah-Arizona border.
Two women, ages 22 and 23, were struck by lightning while standing at a popular spot along the Colorado River called Horseshoe Bend just before 4 p.m.
Officials said the two women – one from the Netherlands and the other from Australia – were being treated at St. George Regional Hospital.
Lightning storms occur during a time when the region experiences heavy rains, known as the monsoon season.
Park officials urge visitors to use caution when exploring outdoor areas, especially from mid-June to September in Arizona and July to September in Utah.
Thunderstorms will be frequent and severe during this period, posing a significant risk, officials said in a news release.
“Visitors are advised to take shelter in a vehicle or building immediately after hearing thunder to avoid a lightning strike,” officials warned.
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