News Summary
A lightning strike at Dominion Beach Park in Lake Murray injured 20 individuals, including 12 children, with many suffering from minor burns. Emergency crews quickly responded to the incident, which occurred during unexpectedly sunny conditions. Victims were taken to local hospitals, but all injuries are non-life-threatening. Authorities emphasized the need for caution regarding sudden storms. Dominion Beach Park is expected to reopen following safety assessments.
Lake Murray, South Carolina – A lightning strike on Tuesday evening at Dominion Beach Park injured 20 individuals, including 12 children. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. near the Lake Murray Dam when emergency crews responded to multiple reports of people being affected by electrocution.
Of the 20 people assessed, 12 were transported to local hospitals while 8 others received treatment on site. Fortunately, all injuries were classified as non-life-threatening. The injuries primarily consisted of minor burns, with those holding onto metal cables at the moment of impact suffering the most severe consequences.
The Irmo Fire District indicated that lightning struck the water adjacent to individuals who were either holding onto or swimming near metal cables and buoys. Although conditions appeared sunny at the lake, pop-up thunderstorms developed in the area, leading to the lightning strike. Meteorologists characterized the lightning as “a bolt from the blue,” suggesting that many visitors may not have recognized the storm’s approach from the southern region.
Among those injured was 22-year-old Tagen Billiot, who described the sensation following the lightning strike as similar to being hit by multiple tasers. After the incident, he was hospitalized with symptoms including an irregular heartbeat, memory loss, and blurred vision, but he was discharged the following day. Another friend of Billiot’s, who is pregnant, also required hospitalization; however, both were reported to be in stable condition upon release.
Lake Murray’s Lexington Fire Chief Kyle Minick urged the public to be increasingly cautious regarding sudden storms. He emphasized the importance of being aware of surrounding conditions and seeking shelter as needed to ensure safety.
Despite the alarming event, officials anticipated that Dominion Beach Park would reopen to the public the following day, pending thorough safety assessments and clearance from the necessary authorities. The park’s management is taking the incident seriously and aims to ensure visitor safety moving forward.
The events at Lake Murray serve as a crucial reminder for individuals enjoying outdoor activities to remain vigilant, especially during the unpredictable weather associated with the summer season. Lightning strikes can occur rapidly and with little warning, stressing the need for prompt responses to changing weather conditions.
Lake Murray is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike, offering a range of recreational activities. As authorities work to address the impact of this incident, community members are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize safety while enjoying the area’s natural attractions.
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HERE Resources
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Lightning Strike Injures 20 at Lake Murray Beach
Lightning Strike Injures 20 at South Carolina Park
Lake Murray Lightning Strike Injures 20 During Summer Outing
Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Lightning
- ABC News
- Google Search: Lake Murray
- WLTX
- Google Scholar: Lightning Injuries
- WYFF 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- NBC News
- Google News: Lightning Strike Lake Murray
