Tourist's skin melts off

A 42-year-old Belgian tourist suffered severe third-degree burns to his feet in Death Valley National Park after losing his flip-flops while walking on the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where air temperatures reached about 123 degrees Fahrenheit. Park ranger Gia Ponce reported that the ground temperature was even hotter, sometimes exceeding 200 degrees. Due to the extreme conditions, a medical helicopter was unable to safely land, leading park rangers to transport him by ambulance to a cooler location for helicopter pickup. The incident underscores the dangers of hiking in extreme heat, with park officials advising visitors to stay close to air-conditioned vehicles and limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Earlier in July, another visitor died in the park due to the extreme temperatures, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with climate change. The tourist's current condition remains unclear as he was hospitalized following the incident.