Yellowstone Rescue: Submerged Car Recovered from Thermal Feature

In a dramatic rescue operation, Yellowstone National Park rangers successfully recovered a car that had plunged into one of the park's thermal features, where it had been completely submerged. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, fortunately resulted in no life-threatening injuries to the five occupants of the vehicle.

Saving Lives in the Heart of Yellowstone

Accident at Semi-Centennial Geyser

The incident took place on Thursday morning around 10:40 AM when a car, carrying five people, "inadvertently" veered off the roadway and into the Semi-Centennial Geyser, a thermal feature located near Roaring Mountain in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park. Despite the car sinking in 9 feet of water, all the occupants were able to safely exit the vehicle and were transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Coordinated Recovery Effort

On Friday, park authorities closed the road and initiated a recovery operation, enlisting the help of various organizations, including Hanser's Automotive, the U.S. Water Rescue Dive Team, HK Contractors, Resource Technologies Incorporated, and the Yellowstone Park Service Stations. The collaborative effort allowed the team to safely lift the submerged car out of the geyser, a process that took a couple of hours to complete.

Navigating Yellowstone's Thermal Hazards

While the Semi-Centennial Geyser is not considered one of the park's most dangerous thermal features, it still poses significant risks. The water in the geyser averages 105 degrees Fahrenheit and is highly acidic, making it a hazardous environment for both visitors and vehicles. Park rangers will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine the exact cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Lessons Learned and Ongoing Safety Efforts

The successful recovery of the submerged car and the safe evacuation of its occupants serve as a testament to the dedication and expertise of Yellowstone's park rangers and the collaborative efforts of various organizations. This incident highlights the importance of visitor awareness and adherence to safety guidelines when navigating the park's unique and potentially dangerous thermal features. As Yellowstone continues to attract millions of visitors each year, the park's ongoing efforts to prioritize safety and protect its natural wonders remain crucial.