© Jonathan Gonzalez / KUSA
The Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office says eight adults were transported from the trailhead, and that three adults were taken to Denver-area hospitals. One of them was in serious condition, the other two had non-life threatening injuries.
The five others refused further treatment, the sheriff's office says.
Initial reports said as many as 16 people were injured. A dog also died after the strike.
A call first came in about the incident at around 11:30 a.m. Rescue crews initially told 9NEWS that all of the victims were on the way down the mountain when they were struck.
"The storm came through really fast," hiker Pete Hunter said. "Didn't really see the clouds building as we'd expect in the distance. It was kind of like they built right on the summit."
Madeleine Ripley was on the peak with friends, and shocked by a strike while touching a rock.
"I felt lightning and I just started running back down and I kept going," she said.
Two hikers were missing for a short time, according to the sheriff's office, but they were later found by a National Guard helicopter that was flown in for the search. Authorities say they were college students from out-of-state.
Multiple area agencies were involved in the rescue. Victims were not able to be airlifted directly off the mountain due to weather conditions, though Flight for Life units were called.
A Blackhawk helicopter was also requested.
Mt. Bierstadt stands at 14,065 and is one of the most popular 14ers in Colorado, attracting tens of thousands of climbers per season. It is located nine miles southeast of Georgetown via Guanella Pass.
The hike to the summit is roughly three miles one-way from the top of the pass, with an elevation gain of 2,391 feet.
© KUSALightning strikes in the area
Reader Comments
to be hiking in the rocky mountains. it's still spring time. storms are thoroughly unpredictable. how's that potato crop in the rio grande headwater area?