YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – A teen was badly burned in Yellowstone National Park when his foot broke through the thin crust near Old Faithful.
The 17-year-old male was on a hike by Lone Star Geyser when the crust gave way, resulting in “significant thermal burns” to his foot and ankle, according to the National Park Service. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.
“Boardwalks and trails protect you and delicate thermal formations,” warned the NPS in a social media post after the incident. “Water in hot springs can cause severe or fatal burns, and scalding water underlies most of the thin, breakable crust around hot springs.”
In total, more than 20 people have died from burns after going into or falling into one of Yellowstone’s hot springs. The park says this is the first known thermal injury in Yellowstone this year (2025). The last one was in September of 2024.
Everyone is reminded to stay on boardwalks and designated trails. Kids need to be kept close, and pets are prohibited. The dangerously hot water is not the only hazard.
“Toxic gases may accumulate to dangerous levels in some hydrothermal areas,” said the NPS. “If you begin to feel sick while exploring one of our geyser basins, leave the area immediately.”
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