Barefoot man suffers from severe burns in Death Valley

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A man from Belgium suffered severe foot burns after walking barefoot through Death Valley, according to the National Park Service.

On Saturday, July 20, the man, 42, ventured onto Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park but encountered troubles when he suffered from burns on his feet. Park rangers suspected he was wearing flip-flops initially but couldn’t confirm whether he lost them or they became buried in the sand due to communication challenges.

According to NPS, the temperature of the ground was around 123 degrees.

After rescuing the man and bringing him to the parking lot, rangers assessed that he needed urgent medical attention.

Due to the scorching temperatures, they arranged for him to be transported to a higher elevation landing zone where a Mercy Air Helicopter could safely land and transport him to a Las Vegas hospital.

To prevent such incidents, Death Valley rangers advise visitors to stay close to air-conditioned areas, remain hydrated, use sunscreen, and avoid hiking after 10 a.m.

Rangers added travelers to Death Valley should try and stay within a 10-minute walk of an air-conditioned vehicle.

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