UPDATE: 8/21/22 12:32 P.M.
SPRINGDALE, Utah (ABC4) – Zion National Park officials have provided additional details regarding the flash flood that left one person missing Friday.
Multiple hikers were reportedly swept off their feet by a flash flood in the Narrows near the Temple of Sinawava.
Later in the evening, the National Park Service received a report of a hiker, who has been identified as Jetal Agnihotri of Tucson, Arizona, who was “overdue from a trip in the Narrows.”
Park rangers reportedly monitored the river during the night and mobilized additional searchers early Saturday.
More than 20 Zion Search and Rescue Team members are working in and near the Virgin River searching for Agnihotri.
Officials say that during the initial response, park rangers found an injured hiker who had been swept downstream several hundred yards. That hiker was taken to the hospital in a National Park Service ambulance.
Rangers also found several hikers who were isolated by high water on high ground. Those individuals were instructed to remain in place until water receded, when rangers were able to assist them to safety.
“Park rangers and other members of the Zion Search and Rescue Team responded quickly to this event, and we are continuing our efforts,” Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park superintendent said. “I want to express the park’s appreciation for the ongoing support we’ve received from the National Weather Service, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Hurricane Valley Fire District as we continue search and rescue operations.”
Here’s what to know about Zion National Park as of August 20:
- Riverside Walk and the Narrows are closed.
- Search and Rescue operations are not currently affecting access to Angels Landing or most other destinations in Zion Canyon.
- Emerald Pools and the Kayenta Trail were already closed following rain on August 18 and remain so.
- Virgin River Narrows camping permits and top-down river hiking permits are canceled.
- Park shuttle buses in Zion Canyon are operating at stops between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6) only. In the town of Springdale, shuttles are operating on their normal route and stops.
Zion rangers are reportedly monitoring the weather and continuing the park’s search and rescue efforts.
This story will be updated as more information is provided.
ORIGINAL STORY: 8/20/22 2:53 P.M.
SPRINGDALE, Utah (ABC4) – Zion National Park officials reportedly conducted a search and rescue operation Friday after a flash food swept several people away, leaving one person missing.
Spokesperson with Zion National Park, Jonathan Shafer, says park officials responded to the incident at 2:15 p.m. after a report of people being swept away by a flash flood in the Narrows at the Virgin River.
The National Park Service reportedly sent park rangers to conduct a large-scale response.
When rangers hiked up the trail, they found several people who were on high ground, separated by high water.
More than 20 Search and Rescue Team members were deployed along the Virgin River, officials say.
The Narrows and Riverside Walk will remain closed, according to Zion National Park, as the search and rescue team is searching for a missing person.
No further information is currently available.
