Overview
- A sudden, powerful flash flood struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon, washing out nearly all pedestrian bridges over Bright Angel Creek and pushing large rocks and metal debris into the Colorado River.
- Park rangers and the Arizona Department of Public Safety used helicopters and ground teams to evacuate about 62 people, with roughly 50 airlifted from the canyon.
- Officials revised an early estimate of more than 20 people unaccounted for down to about 15 as they checked records and contacted visitors, and they report no injuries so far.
- Park managers have closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, sections of the North Kaibab and Bright Angel trails, and stretches of the Colorado River while search, safety and damage assessments continue.
- The canyon’s steep drop from rim to river and recent wildfire-scarred slopes increase the risk of fast, debris-filled flows, and forecasters say more intense, localized storms could complicate rescue efforts and extend closures.