Overview
- The flash flood struck Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch on Saturday afternoon around 2:30 p.m., unleashing rapid runoff that carried boulders, metal structures and debris through the creek.
- Park officials confirmed two bodies recovered and said about 15 people remain missing or unaccounted for as search-and-rescue teams continue operations.
- At least 62 people were evacuated by air from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail to the South Rim, and the park has closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and the North Kaibab Trail corridor.
- Nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek were destroyed and preliminary assessments show roughly 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline was damaged or destroyed, prompting Stage 4 water restrictions and suspension of overnight hotel stays inside the park.
- Officials warn additional storms could trigger more flash flooding and debris flows on burned slopes; anyone with information on hikers or campers in the Bright Angel Creek corridor should call the NPS tip line at 888-653-0009 or email nps_isb@nps.gov.