News Summary

A lightning strike near Lake Murray Dam injured 20 individuals, including 12 children and 8 adults, during a sunny day at Dominion Beach Park. Emergency responders quickly attended to the casualties, with some transported to hospitals for evaluation. Thankfully, the injuries were not life-threatening. This incident highlights the dangers of outdoor activities during thunderstorms, even when the weather appears clear.

Lexington County, South Carolina: Lightning Strike at Lake Murray Leaves 20 Injured, Including 12 Children

On Tuesday, around 5 p.m., a lightning strike at Dominion Beach Park near Lake Murray Dam injured 20 individuals, including 12 children and 8 adults. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, and thankfully, the injuries sustained were not life-threatening.

The strike impacted a group of swimmers who were holding onto a metal cable surrounding the swimming area at the time. Emergency responders from the Lexington County Fire Service, Irmo Fire District, Lexington County EMS, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department provided immediate assistance. Twelve of the injured individuals were transported to three local hospitals for further evaluation, while eight others received treatment on-site.

All victims are expected to recover from their injuries, which is a relief considering the nature of the incident. Witnesses reported that the lightning struck during an otherwise sunny day, despite a storm cloud nearby. Just minutes before the incident, the National Weather Service had issued a Special Weather Statement warning of a strong thunderstorm, complete with lightning and high winds.

Emergency officials noted that, although injuries occurred, the outcome could have been much more serious. A representative from the Irmo Fire Department stated it was lucky that no fatalities or more severe injuries were reported.

Among the individuals affected was a swimmer named Tagen Billiot, who described the moment of the lightning strike as terrifying. After the strike, Billiot felt sharp pains and confusion. She was subsequently taken to a hospital, where she underwent examination for symptoms that included numbness and dizziness. She was treated and later released.

Authorities have emphasized the inherent dangers posed by lightning, noting that it can strike areas far removed from a thunderstorm. This incident serves as a reminder that safety protocols must be adhered to, especially when stormy weather is forecasted, even if sunny conditions seem to prevail at the moment.

The beach park was scheduled to reopen the day after the incident following safety assessments and clearance from relevant authorities, allowing residents and visitors to return to one of the area’s popular recreational spots.

This occurrence highlights the unpredictability of weather conditions and the potential risks associated with outdoor activities during thunderstorms. Individuals engaging in swimming or other outdoor recreation should remain vigilant and informed about changing weather conditions, especially when severe weather warnings are in effect.

In conclusion, while this incident resulted in multiple injuries, the measures in place by emergency services prevented a potentially tragic outcome. Community members are encouraged to consider safety first when participating in outdoor activities, especially when lightning is a risk.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Lexington and Richland Counties Under Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Lightning Strike Injures 20 at Lake Murray Beach
Lightning Strikes Injure 20 at Lake Murray Beach
Lightning Strike Injures 20 at Dominion Beach Park
Lightning Strike Injures 20 at Lake Murray Park
Lightning Strike Injures 20 at Lake Murray Park
Lightning Strike Injures 20 at Lake Murray Park
Lightning Strikes 20 at Dreher Shoals Dam
Lightning Strike Injures 20 at Lake Murray Beach
Lightning Strike Injures 20 at South Carolina Park

Additional Resources

• Fox Weather
• NBC News
• WIS TV
• USA Today
• Wikipedia: Lightning
• Google Search: Lightning Strike Injuries
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning

Author: STAFF HERE IRMO

The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.