Fact Check: The rescue operation involved about 30 rescuers and took place late Thursday near the summit of Torreys Peak, which is about 40 miles west of Denver.

Fact Check: "The rescue operation involved about 30 rescuers and took place late Thursday near the summit of Torreys Peak, which is about 40 miles west of Denver."

What We Know

The rescue operation in question occurred on June 12, 2025, when two men from New York were struck by lightning while attempting to summit Torreys Peak, a mountain located approximately 40 miles west of Denver, Colorado. According to reports, the rescue involved around 30 rescuers from the Alpine Rescue Team, who responded to the emergency call made by the hikers after they got off course and were subsequently struck by lightning shortly after reaching the summit (AP News, WFAA). The peak stands at 14,300 feet (4,360 meters) and is recognized as one of Colorado's highest mountains, ranked as either the 11th or 12th highest (Independent).

Analysis

The claim that the rescue operation involved about 30 rescuers and took place late Thursday near the summit of Torreys Peak is supported by multiple credible sources. Reports consistently mention that approximately 30 rescuers participated in the operation (AP News, WFAA). The timing of the rescue is also corroborated, with sources indicating that the operation occurred late on Thursday, June 12, 2025 (Independent, MSN).

The reliability of the sources is high, as they include reputable news outlets such as the Associated Press and WFAA, which are known for their journalistic standards. The information provided is consistent across various reports, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim. Furthermore, the Alpine Rescue Team, which was directly involved in the operation, provided firsthand accounts through their public information officer, Jake Smith, further validating the details of the rescue (AP News).

Conclusion

The claim that "the rescue operation involved about 30 rescuers and took place late Thursday near the summit of Torreys Peak, which is about 40 miles west of Denver" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the number of rescuers involved, the timing of the operation, and the location of Torreys Peak.

Sources

1. Men hit by lightning plucked from mountain in record-high Colorado helicopter rescues
2. Colorado's highest helicopter rescue saves two on Torreys Peak
3. Dramatic helicopter rescue saves two hikers hit by lightning near peak
4. Colorado's highest helicopter rescue saves two on Torreys Peak - wfaa.com
5. Men hit by lightning plucked from mountain in a record-high Colorado helicopter rescues
6. Hikers Struck by Lightning on Summit of Colorado Fourteener Saved
7. Dramatic helicopter rescue saves two hikers hit by lightning
8. Record-high Colorado helicopter rescue: Men hit by lightning