Do you love researching historic wildlife places? Want to know what makes them special? Well, let me tell you that Yellowstone is one of the oldest parks in the world, known for its wildlife and beautiful scenery. Then, you might ask me: What’s great about this? The interesting part is that it sits on the top of a supervolcano and is home to several geysers and hot springs.
The more beautiful you can imagine it, the more deadly it can turn if you show slight negligence. “What kind of mistake?” If you plan to visit Yellowstone recently within a few weeks or want to know about the deadly Yellowstone National Park car crash, this blog is your companion.
This article will not only explain the incident, but it will also guide you on how you can ensure safety at Yellowstone. Curious to dive deeper into this matter? So am I! Without wasting any more time, you are welcome here to clear all your doubts regarding this place.
What is Yellowstone Geyser?
Before knowing about the geysers, you should learn about Yellowstone National Park. According to the sources, it is the first and oldest park in the world, primarily located in Wyoming. It shares the majority (96%) of its portion with Wyoming, while it extends to Montana (3%) and Idaho (1%).
Geysers in Yellowstone are hot springs that erupt with boiling water and steam when pressure builds underground. Interestingly, the park has about 500 geysers, of which the Old Faithful is the most famous.
Now you may ask: Why are there so many geysers in Yellowstone? If you look at its placement, you might already have the answer. Geysers exist because Yellowstone is just above a supervolcano and a massive underground chamber filled with magma.
It might look amazing, but these geysers are more dangerous than expected. The ground above them seems like it is solid, but fragile with boiling water underneath.
Unfortunately, if someone falls on a geyser, it can lead to severe burns and even death. Accidents happen near these areas, especially when someone gets too close or ignores warnings. As geysers attract large crowds, car drivers usually stop or slow down their vehicles, which can cause crashes.
One popular incident happened when an SUV was immersed in Yellowstone’s geyser. Want to know the severity of the disaster? To learn more, continue reading ahead without skipping any line.
What Happened in the Yellowstone Geyser Car Accident?
An SUV with five occupants accidentally fell into the Semi-Centennial Geyser on July 11, 2024, at around 10:40 AM. The vehicle deviated from the road between the Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Junction, and unfortunately, it was involved in an accident.
The geyser is the thermal feature near the park’s Roaring Mountain. The car was fully submerged in the nine feet of hot, acidic water, where the temperature remains around 105 °F (about 40 °C).
What happened to the passengers? Did they die or manage to survive?
Miraculously, all five occupants survived as they escaped from the vehicle alone. After the incident, they were immediately taken to the hospital for further treatment with non-life-threatening injuries.
How Did Investigators Respond to this Incident?
After the Yellowstone National Park car crash, the park officials immediately started finding the root cause of the accident. The National Park Service (NPS) law enforcement and park rangers focused on road conditions, driving negligence, and whether any violations were involved in the disaster.
The case is still under investigation as they have not found the exact cause. However, the day after the incident, July 12, 2024, they temporarily closed both lanes of the Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Junction road.
Finally, the submerged vehicle was taken by the U.S. Water Rescue Dive Team, park staff, and local contractors. The process took about two hours and specialized equipment, since the car was deeply submerged, around 9 feet deep.
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In response to this incident, NPS released a public press release explaining everything about the Yellowstone geyser car accident and the rescue process. The officials highlighted that visitors’ awareness and drivers’ safety are pivotal to preventing future accidents.
Linda Veress, a Yellowstone representative, replied to this incident:
“Traffic-related accidents are the most common cause of injury and death in the park… Don’t let the scenery distract you.”
Past Accidents and Safety Incidents in Yellowstone
Yellowstone shares a long history of disasters and safety incidents since the late 80s. Besides incidents, like the Yellowstone National Park car crash, the park witnessed numerous types of accidents.
For example, car accidents have been common over the years since millions of visitors drive through the park every year. While the park is safe, if you follow the regulations, disaster can happen if you fail to do so.
However, below is a simple table showing the incident types and stats to clarify how dangerous the park is.
| Accident Type | Stats |
| Hot spring/ Geyser | 22 deaths (since 1890) |
| Traffic incidents | 50-100 annually |
| Wildlife encounters | 1-3 people annually (usually by bison) |
| Falls or other accidents | Dozens of injuries (often through hiking and climbing) |
| Deaths (all causes) | 1-3 annually (average) |
How Can Travellers Be Safe While Visiting Yellowstone?
The best you can do is obey the rules to be safe at Yellowstone. While following the park rules, you must be aware of your surroundings. If you have already scheduled to visit the park or have ever travelled there, here are some DOs you must remember to ensure your safety at all times.
- Drive carefully, notice wildlife crossing and pull over carefully if you wish to stop.
- Stay on the marked boardwalks and trails, especially in the thermal areas.
- Follow the ranger’s instructions and posted signs.
- Keep at least 25 yards of distance from wild animals, including bison and elk. If you notice bears or wolves, maintain around 100 yards of distance.
- Always keep a hard copy or an offline map with you for navigation, as the call service is often restricted.
- Carry sufficient food, water, and clothing for changing climatic conditions.
- Dispose of the trash properly to keep the wildlife and park clean.
The recent vehicle crash in Yellowstone is alarming, as it shows how bad it can turn if anyone shows slight negligence at Yellowstone. Besides wild animals, you must be careful about the nearby geysers as they can even bring life-threatening issues, like severe burns or even death.
FAQs
Is There Any Yellowstone Geyser Accident Today?
On July 28, 202the officials at Yellowstone reported a thermal injury incident. According to the sources, the 17-year-old hiker’s foot and ankle were severely burned after stepping through a fragile crust near the Lone Star Geyser. Emergency responders immediately treated him and transferred him to the nearby hospital.
Is Yellowstone An Accident-Prone Zone?
Yellowstone can be considered an accident-prone region because of the number of visitors who travel there and the natural hazards. Over 4 million visitors travel through the park, indicating that accidents, including the Yellowstone National Park car crash, can be common. Additionally, the narrow roads make these vehicle crashes in Yellowstone even more frequent.
How Many Geysers Have Exploded in Yellowstone?
Based on the official reports, Yellowstone reported over 500 active geysers, most of which erupt with steam and water, and are predictable or semi-predictable. Most importantly, only a few geysers have major explosions, including the Excelsior Geyser Crater in the Midway Geyser Basin and Steamboat Geyser.
Can You Touch the Geysers in Yellowstone?
Indeed, you should never touch hot springs or geysers while visiting Yellowstone. The unfavourable boiling water and the mixed acidic minerals make them highly devastating to your skin. Even a quick touch can cause skin damage or quick burns, so stepping too close is extremely dangerous.
What Happens if the Yellowstone Geyser Explodes?
When a geyser explodes, it indicates a hydrothermal explosion. This explosion is when the underground water heats up with magma and suddenly flashes into steam, tears soil, rock, and water with incredible force. In simple words, if a Yellowstone geyser explodes, it would cause a massive disaster and could even lead to park closure.
The Final Verdict
Geysers in Yellowstone are incredibly dreamy to witness, but their fragile, nearby and unbearably hot, acidic water is a threat you should not avoid while visiting the park.
The Yellowstone geyser accident news is a top example of how life can turn around if you don’t oversee your surroundings. The narrow roads and multiple hot springs are vital in distracting the visitors and can threaten their lives. However, the 2024 Yellowstone geyser car accident is under investigation, and the real cause is still unknown to anyone.
