Belgian Tourist Suffers Severe Burns After Losing Flip-Flops in Death Valley

Extreme heat in Death Valley leads to third-degree burns, highlighting dangers of visiting during peak temperatures.

A 42-year-old Belgian tourist suffered full-thickness burns after losing his flip-flops in Death Valley's Mesquite Flat sand dunes.
The ground temperature at the time was around 160 degrees, causing severe burns to the man's feet.
Park rangers and other visitors helped carry the man to safety, but a helicopter couldn't land due to the extreme heat.
The man was eventually transported by ambulance to a higher elevation where it was cooler and a helicopter could safely land.
Experts warn visitors to avoid walking on sand during peak heat and to stick to shaded or cooler areas.