Woman falls into hot spring at Yellowstone

A woman illegally entered Yellowstone National Park and fell into a hot spring. The incident happened yesterday, according to NBC. Park officials said the woman was backing up to take photos when she fell into a hot spring, near the Old Faithful geyser.

Even though she was burned, the woman was still able to drive 50 miles before park rangers pulled her over. She was taken by helicopter to the burn center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment. The woman’s name and her current condition have not yet been released.

“Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature,” states the park’s website. It also tells visitors to stay on boardwalks and paths in these thermal areas.

Last fall, a man walked off a boardwalk near Old Faithful and fell into a hot spring, similar to this incident. In June 2016, 23-year-old Colin Scott fell into a superheated, acidic mud pot and died, according to USA TODAY. His remains could not be found

Yellowstone to reoepen

Yellowstone National Park has been closed to the public since Mar.24 due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. According to The Hill, the park will partially reopen next Monday. Visitors will be limited to visiting the park’s “lower loop’ and will be able to visit Old Faithful, along with other parts of the area. To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the park will implement protective barriers, encourage the use of face coverings, and will monitor visitor access in certain places.

“The park’s goal is to open safely and conservatively, ensure we take the right actions to reduce risks to our employees and visitors, and help local economies begin to recover,” said Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly, via The Hill.