Fire officials have verified that twenty individuals were injured by a lightning strike that occurred at a lake in South Carolina on Tuesday.
Lexington County Fire Chief Kyle Minick stated that first responders evaluated eight adults and 12 minors for electrocution in response to reports of a lightning strike striking the water.
The County of Lexington issued a statement indicating that twelve of the patients were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. It is anticipated that all patients will recover.
Lightning struck at approximately 4:43 p.m., according to a preliminary storm report from the National Weather Service.
The Dominion Beach Park at Dreher Dam was the site of a response by numerous fire, sheriff, and emergency medical service agencies in Lexington County.
The county’s statement stated that “strong relationships with other local agencies played a critical role in ensuring a quick, coordinated response, allowing first responders to assess patients efficiently and provide the best possible care.”
It is anticipated that Dominion Beach Park will reopen on Wednesday as a result of safety assessments.
A 15-year-old youth was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm in Manhattan last week, following the arrival of a fast-moving storm. The child is anticipated to make a full recovery; however, he was hospitalized due to second-degree burns that affected his torso and legs.