00:28 Severely Burned in Yellowstone Hot Springs A man from North Carolina was reported to be in critical condition after falling into a hot springs at Yellowstone National Park.

At a Glance A 21-year-old man fell into a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park and was severely burned.

This is the first serious injury in a thermal area in Yellowstone this year. A 21-year-old North Carolina man was severely burned after falling into a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park.

Park officials say Gervais Dylan Gatete was with seven other people when he fell into a spring in the Lower Geyser Basin on Tuesday, according to a release. The group first attempted to evacuate him by car before flagging down a ranger.

“Yellowstone’s thermal features are dangerous,” said Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Dan Wenk in the release. “We continually stress that people must stay on trails and boardwalks in geyser basins, not only to protect resources but for their own safety.”

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Gatete, who is currently employed by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, was taken by ambulance to West Yellowstone, Montana, and was flown to the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, the Associated Press reports.

According to The News & Observer, Xanterra Parks and Resorts is a Colorado-based contractor that operates all Yellowstone's hotels and cabins .

Hospital spokeswoman Suzanne Winchester said he was in critical but stable condition. Park spokeswoman Morgan Warthin said the incident is still under investigation.

The ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface, according to the release. This is the first serious injury in a thermal area in Yellowstone this year.

Last June, a man died after falling into a hot spring in the Norris Geyser Basin, according to NPS.

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