June 26, 2025

Lightning Strike Injures 20 at South Carolina Park

News Summary

A sudden lightning strike at Dominion Beach Park near Lake Murray Dam in South Carolina injured 20 people, including 12 children. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. amidst sunny weather, leaving some swimmers injured due to a metal cable affected by the electricity. Emergency services responded quickly, transporting 12 individuals to local hospitals. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, and all victims are expected to recover. The park will temporarily close for safety assessments amid ongoing discussions about lightning safety awareness.

Columbia

A lightning strike at Dominion Beach Park near the Lake Murray Dam in South Carolina injured 20 people on Tuesday evening, including 12 children. The incident occurred around 5 p.m., amidst what appeared to be bright and sunny weather, despite the presence of a passing storm cloud.

Emergency services responded promptly, with 12 individuals being transported to local hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The remaining eight victims received care at the scene and were deemed stable. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities linked to this incident, and all victims are expected to recover.

The lightning strike reportedly affected a metal cable associated with buoys that surrounded the swimming area, leading to injuries among swimmers in close proximity. The Lexington County Fire Service, along with other local emergency response units, were on the scene to manage the situation and ensure the safety of park visitors.

Following the incident, Dominion Beach Park was temporarily closed but is scheduled to reopen the following Wednesday, subject to thorough safety assessments. Local officials highlighted the incident’s occurrence during National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, emphasizing the ongoing need for public awareness about lightning safety.

Incident Overview

On Tuesday, as families enjoyed a day at the lake, a sudden lightning strike disrupted the peaceful outing, injuring both children and adults. Witnesses reported that the lightning energized a nearby metal cable, which came into contact with swimmers. Witnesses described the initial moments of confusion as people reacted to the unexpected storm.

Emergency Response

First responders, including the Irmo Fire District and Lexington County EMS, worked tirelessly to assess the injured and provide immediate care. Their quick actions undoubtedly played a crucial role in the successful treatment and stabilization of approximately 20 individuals affected by the lightning strike.

Lightning Safety Context

This incident is particularly notable given recent events involving lightning strikes in the region. Last week, another lightning strike resulted in a fatality in Florida, underscoring the dangers associated with thunderstorms. Historically, lightning has been identified as one of the top weather-related causes of death in the United States, although statistics show a decrease in fatalities over the past 30 years.

Authorities continually urge the public to be mindful of weather conditions, even on seemingly clear days. Lightning can strike suddenly and unpredictable, emphasizing the importance of having a plan and being aware of safety measures in case storms arise.

As investigations continue to analyze the dynamics of the lightning strike at Lake Murray, officials remain committed to confirming park safety and preventing future incidents. The community’s resilience and cooperation will be essential as they recover from the events of Tuesday evening and aim to restore a safe environment in the park.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

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.

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