Two people struck by lightning while hiking on mountain peak

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News) - Two people were struck by lightning while hiking a mountain near Flagstaff, Arizona.

A search and rescue operation was underway Wednesday morning after two men were struck by lightning on Humphreys Peak, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

Both men survived the lightning strike.

Rescuers said one man’s phone was thrown about 30 yards by the strike, but the other was able to use his to call for help.

One of the men was able to walk and found his way to the search and rescue crews, but the other couldn’t move. It took crews hours to get him because weather conditions grounded their air support.

The heartfelt reunion between one of the men and his wife, who had been waiting all day with the crews for his return, was caught on camera.

One expert said the men are lucky to have survived. National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Bernhart said lightning strikes are often deadly.

“It’s incredibly hot and it’s electricity enough to put you into cardiac arrest, or burn you or unfortunately, put you into respiratory cardiac arrest and kill you,” Bernhart said.

Experts recommend checking the forecast before heading out on a hike in order to avoid getting caught in a lightning storm.