24 hikers rescued

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    DOÑA ANA COUNTY, New Mexico (KOAT) — A group of 24 hikers has been rescued in the Organ Mountains in Las Cruces on Sunday.

According to Las Cruces Fire Department and other state officials, the group was found after hours in The Needle, which is one of the most difficult ascents in the Organ Mountains, after becoming separated, disoriented and stranded.

The group, ranging from teenagers to people in their 60s, began their guided hike before dawn on Sunday. During the hike, several members of the group fell behind into smaller groups, which then led the smaller groups to splinter onto different trails and becoming disoriented.

The group then became stranded once the sun set and was unable to find their way off the mountain. The hikers called 911 prompting the search and rescue mission.

The group of 24 hikers is now safe, and only suffered from minor scrapes, bruises and dehydration.

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