News Summary
A lightning strike at Lake Murray, South Carolina, injured 20 individuals, including 12 children, during a summer outing. Fortunately, all injuries were non-life-threatening. The incident, caused by a lightning strike energizing a metal cable in the swimming area, occurred despite sunny weather. Emergency response efforts involved multiple agencies, and the park is closed for safety inspections. This event highlights the importance of lightning safety awareness, especially during outdoor summer activities.
Lake Murray, South Carolina: Lightning Strike Injures 20 During Summer Outing
A lightning strike injured 20 people at Lake Murray, South Carolina, on June 24. The incident occurred near the Lake Murray dam in Lexington County around 5 p.m. Among those injured, twelve were children and eight were adults. Fortunately, all injuries were non-life-threatening, and there were no fatalities reported.
Following the strike, twelve individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment, while six others were assessed by first responders at the scene. The ages of the patients were not disclosed at the time of the report.
The lightning strike energized a metal cable surrounding the swimming area, which was a contributing factor to the injuries. Several victims were holding onto the cable when the lightning struck, while others were swimming nearby. Despite the sunny conditions at the time, with no storms or rain reported, a random passing storm cloud in the vicinity may have played a role in the incident.
Responding Agencies and Aftermath
Emergency response efforts were coordinated by multiple agencies, including the Lexington County Fire Service, Irmo Fire District, Lexington County Emergency Medical Services, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Following the lightning strike, Dominion Beach Park, which is owned by Dominion Energy, was closed for safety inspections. It is expected to reopen after all necessary evaluations are completed.
Context of the Incident
The lightning strike at Lake Murray coincided with National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, which emphasizes the dangers associated with lightning and advocates for safety measures during storms. The National Lightning Safety Council has reported that lightning is a leading storm-related killer, with four fatal lightning strikes recorded in the United States in 2025 alone. To stay safe during lightning threats, the council advises avoiding unprotected open shelters and moving to secure locations.
This incident draws attention to the broader issue of lightning safety, especially considering recent similar events across the United States, including fatalities in Florida and injuries in New York City. Public awareness regarding the potential hazards of lightning strikes must be elevated, particularly during summer outings where outdoor activities are common.
As communities recover from this recent event, reminders about lightning safety practices, including monitoring weather conditions closely, will likely become a point of emphasis. Individuals are encouraged to seek shelter indoors during lightning storms and avoid contact with conductive materials, such as metal cables or tools, especially near open water.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lake Murray’s 37th Annual Independence Day Celebration
Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Lightning Safety
- NBC News
- Google Search: lightning injuries South Carolina
- USA Today
- Google Scholar: lightning safety practices
- Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- People
- Google News: Lake Murray lightning incident
