News Summary
A lightning strike at Dominion Beach Park in South Carolina injured 20 individuals, including 12 children, during a severe thunderstorm. Emergency responders attended to the victims, with 12 transported to local hospitals for treatment. The incident highlights the dangers of thunderstorms and the importance of adhering to weather warnings. Authorities are conducting safety assessments, with plans to reopen the park following the incident, and emphasize taking precautions during severe weather events.
Dreher Shoals Dam, South Carolina – Lightning Strikes 20 Individuals, Including 12 Children
A group of 20 individuals, comprising eight adults and 12 children, were injured when lightning struck at Dominion Beach Park, located at Dreher Shoals Dam in South Carolina, on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred at 4:43 p.m. ET during a severe thunderstorm that moved through Lexington County.
Emergency responders from the Lexington County Fire Service, Irmo Fire District, Lexington County EMS, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department quickly arrived at the scene to attend to the injured. According to officials, the lightning strike energized a metal cable with buoys surrounding the swimming area, affecting swimmers who were holding onto the cable or were close by.
All 20 individuals who experienced the lightning strike reported feeling a significant jolt. Fortunately, the extent of their injuries was not as severe as initially feared. Initially, reports stated that 18 individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment; however, this figure was later revised to 12 individuals who were taken to three local medical facilities. The remaining eight individuals received care on-site and did not require further hospitalization. While the specific nature of their injuries has not been detailed, all victims are expected to make a full recovery.
Severe Weather Conditions
Before the lightning strike, the National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement approximately five minutes prior, warning of a strong thunderstorm that featured lightning and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Irmo Fire officials emphasized the dangers associated with thunderstorms, noting that lightning can occur even when one is far from the storm itself. It was noted that lightning can strike as much as 10 miles away from a thundercloud, which underscores the importance of practicing safety measures during severe weather events.
Park Reopening and Safety Measures
Following the incident, safety assessments were conducted, and authorities expect that Dominion Beach Park will reopen on Wednesday, pending clearance from state officials. The local emergency services are stressing the importance of adhering to weather warnings and taking necessary precautions during thunderstorms, particularly in outdoor settings such as beaches and parks.
Background on Lightning Strikes
Lightning strikes pose a significant risk, especially during thunderstorms. According to safety experts, lightning can strike without warning, impacting individuals who may be engaged in outdoor activities. Staying away from metal objects and seeking shelter are critical steps to reduce the risk of lightning-related injuries during such weather conditions.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers posed by severe weather and the necessity for individuals to remain vigilant and heed public safety alerts. The community looks forward to the safe reopening of the park and encourages continued awareness of weather conditions for the safety of all.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Lightning
- Fox Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- USA Today
- Google Search: lightning strikes safety
- WYFF 4
- Google News: lightning strike South Carolina
