Rescuers picked up two men, struck by lightning but alive, from the summit of Torreys Peak in Colorado, in what was the the highest helicopter rescue ever in Colorado.
Both went to hospital – one remains inside but in fair condition, while the other has already been released.
Once they reached the top of the summit (reportedly without proper equipment), one of them called to report they had been struck by lightning.
Two teams joined forces to first collect the more seriously injured man, who was nonresponsive and in critical condition, with a hoist.
He was flown down to an ambulance and taken to a local hospital, then to a Denver hospital with a burn unit.
The helicopter then came back to fetch the other man, who was less seriously hurt.
The particular area is known for thunderstorms on summer afternoons, leaving hikers at risk of lighting, hail, and rapidly dropping temperatures.
