WEST GLACIER, MONT. - Glacier National Park officials report that a park concession employee from Mule Shoe Outfitters was seriously injured in a pack string accident yesterday. The 60-year old summer employee was returning with supplies from Granite Park Chalet with a pack string of mules when the accident occurred. The victim’s name is currently being withheld so that his family can be notified.
About two miles from the trailhead at The Loop, the pack string was startled, likely due to a problem with one of the propane tanks the mules were carrying. Rangers note that propane tanks found at the scene appeared intact. The packer fell from his horse, and may have sustained additional injuries when the mules bolted. All mules are back with Mule Shoe Outfitters. The incident is under investigation.
Two emergency room nurses hiking the trail and one emergency room doctor near The Loop assisted the park rangers who responded to the incident.
The packer was brought to the trailhead in a wheeled litter. He was then transported by ALERT helicopter to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for treatment. Traffic on the Going-to-the-Sun Road was delayed approximately 20 minutes to allow the helicopter to land at The Loop.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
