News Summary
A lightning strike at Lake Murray Public Park injured twenty individuals, including eight adults and twelve children. The strike electrified a metal cable in the swimming area, leading to non-life-threatening injuries. Some victims were treated on-site while others were taken to local hospitals. Two children remain hospitalized but are in good condition. Witnesses report a chaotic scene, and authorities are emphasizing storm safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
South Carolina
Twenty individuals were injured by a lightning strike at Lake Murray Public Park in Lexington, South Carolina, on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. and involved a mix of adults and children, with 8 adults and 12 children among those affected.
The lightning struck a metal cable connected to buoys in the swimming area, electrifying it and resulting in injuries for those nearby. Individuals who were holding onto the cable or swimming at the time of the incident were particularly affected. While some people received treatment on site, others were transported to three local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
As of Wednesday afternoon, two children remained hospitalized but were reported to be in good condition. All victims are expected to make a full recovery from their injuries. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, noting that people in the water quickly evacuated upon hearing the thunderous crack of the lightning strike.
One of the injured, who experienced multiple symptoms including numbness, an irregular heart rhythm, memory loss, blurred vision, and difficulty walking, was discharged from the hospital Wednesday morning. A friend, who was also hospitalized and is pregnant, has since been released. Authorities have emphasized the importance of seeking shelter during stormy weather to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident took place on an otherwise hot and sunny day, with an unrelated storm cloud moving through the area shortly before the lightning strike occurred. Emergency services, including the Lexington County Fire Service, Irmo Fire District, Lexington County EMS, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, coordinated the response to the situation.
In the aftermath of the lightning strike, Dominion Beach Park, owned by Dominion Energy, was closed for safety assessments. The park is expected to reopen following these assessments, with officials urging the public to be mindful of storm conditions while enjoying outdoor activities.
The Lexington Fire Chief has reiterated the importance of seeking immediate shelter during adverse weather, particularly when storms are approaching. The swift actions taken by emergency responders and community members helped to minimize the impact of the incident and ensured that those injured received timely medical attention.
This incident highlights the unpredictability of weather conditions and serves as a reminder for everyone to stay alert and informed about potential dangers while engaging in outdoor activities. With safety measures in place, local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Lightning Strike
- WLTX
- Google Search: Lake Murray lightning strike
- WYFF4
- Google Scholar: Lightning Injuries
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- Google News: Lake Murray lightning strike
- NBC News
