Flash flood in Grand Canyon leads to missing hikers and air rescues

A sudden emergency disrupted a popular hiking trail on Saturday when a group of walkers encountered a rapid landslide near the summit of the Alpine Ridge in the northern region. According to the BBC, one of the hikers who was later airlifted to safety described the scene: “It was a beautiful day – and then people were screaming.” The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., prompting an immediate response from local rescue teams, mountain police, and a helicopter unit from the regional air ambulance service.

Rescue crews arrived within minutes and coordinated a systematic evacuation of the stranded hikers. Six individuals were rescued on the spot, while two required helicopter extraction due to injuries sustained from falling debris. The remaining members of the party were escorted back to the trailhead by ground teams. Preliminary assessments suggest that a sudden thaw combined with heavy overnight rain destabilized the slope, triggering the landslide. No fatalities have been reported, and the injured hikers are receiving medical care at the nearby mountain clinic.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the slide and to evaluate the safety of the trail. The Alpine Ridge path has been temporarily closed pending further inspection, and officials have urged the public to monitor weather alerts and adhere to posted warnings when planning outdoor activities in the area. Updates will be provided as the inquiry progresses.