Photo: Jasmin Merdan / Moment / Getty Images
A large group of hikers was rescued after getting lost while hiking the Gateway Loop Trail in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Scottsdale Fire Department said that 13 people, including two infants and a ten-year-old girl, got lost and were running out of water when they called for help around 10 a.m. on Friday (July 26).
Over 65 firefighters on technical rescue teams from Glendale, Tempe, and Scottsdale were dispatched to search the trail for the group. After about an hour of searching, rescuers found the group taking cover under a tree in a wash several miles into the trail.
The ten-year-old girl had to be airlifted to the hospital with signs of heat exhaustion. Officials said her condition has since improved. A 12-month-old and an 18-month-old were also taken to the hospital with signs of heat exhaustion. A woman with the group was also taken to the hospital.
Everybody else in the group was able to walk off the trail under their own power.
Authorities warned hikers to be careful, as temperatures during the day can top 100 degrees. On Friday, a heat warning was in effect, with a high temperature of 108 degrees.
“All of our trailheads are beautiful and there are signs at each one warning you about the heat and stewards there to talk to you,” Scottsdale Fire Captain Dave Folio said. “Don’t be deceived; it was probably a little cooler this morning. We want people to hydrate the night before, hydrate when you get here, and when you’re halfway done with your water, head back off the trailhead — you’re done.”