Man suffers severe burns to his feet in Death Valley

Rangers believe the man may have been wearing flip flops, but it's unclear what happened to them.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A man from Belgium had to be airlifted to a Las Vegas hospital after park rangers say he suffered severe burns to his feet while walking barefoot through Death Valley.

Park officials explained in a press release that on Saturday, the 42-year-old man ventured onto Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park. However, he soon suffered burns to his feet.

According to NPS, the temperature of the ground was around 123 degrees.

The man was believed to have initially been wearing flip-flops but rangers say "due to communication challenges," they couldn't confirm whether he lost them or they became buried in the sand.

After rescuing the man and bringing him to the parking lot, rangers determined he needed urgent medical attention.

Because of the scorching temperatures, park officials say a Mercy Air Helicopter was unable to land safely in Death Valley.

Instead, the man was taken via ambulance to a higher elevation landing zone where the helicopter could land. The man was then transported to a Las Vegas hospital.

To prevent such incidents, Death Valley rangers advise visitors to stay close to air-conditioned areas, remain hydrated, use sunscreen, and avoid hiking after 10 a.m. Rangers added travelers to Death Valley should try and stay within a 10-minute walk of an air-conditioned vehicle.

Earlier this year, a motorcyclist died from heat exposure while traveling through Death Valley. Data shows the high temperature in the park that day was 128 degrees.