
A frightening incident occurred in Yellowstone National Park when an SUV veered off the road and plunged into an inactive geyser pond. The incident happened near the Semi-Centennial Geyser, dormant since 1922, located between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Junction. The five passengers inside the vehicle managed to escape the 105-degree Fahrenheit (41-degree Celsius) water on their own. They were subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, according to park spokesperson Morgan Warthin.
The accident took place on Thursday morning, prompting a response from park officials. The road near the geyser was closed for about two hours on Friday while crews worked to extract the SUV from nine feet of water. The specifics of how the SUV ended up in the pond are still under investigation, and park officials have not yet released the names of those involved in the crash.
Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features, including geysers and hot springs, which pose potential hazards to visitors. The Semi-Centennial Geyser, despite being inactive for over a century, still contains hot, acidic water, highlighting the dangers present in the park. This incident underscores the importance of adhering to park guidelines and staying on designated roads and trails.
This accident adds to the list of unusual and dangerous occurrences in the park, which attracts millions of visitors each year. While the passengers were fortunate to escape with non-life-threatening injuries, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Yellowstone’s geothermal landscape. As investigations continue, park officials urge visitors to exercise caution and respect the natural features that make Yellowstone a unique and potentially hazardous destination.