Woman Suffers Severe Burns After Falling Through Crust in Yellowstone

The 60-year-old New Hampshire woman was airlifted to a hospital after stepping off-trail near Old Faithful, breaking through a thin crust into scalding water.

The incident occurred on Monday, September 16, 2024, near the Mallard Lake Trailhead at Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park.
The woman was walking with her husband and their leashed dog when she broke through a fragile crust over scalding water, resulting in second- and third-degree burns to her lower leg.
She was initially treated at a park medical clinic before being transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
This is the first known thermal injury in Yellowstone in 2024, with park officials reminding visitors to stay on designated boardwalks and trails.
Pets are prohibited in thermal areas, on boardwalks, and hiking trails to prevent incidents like this and to protect park wildlife.