20 people struck by single lightning bolt at South Carolina beach
A single lighting bolt along a South Carolina beach struck nearly two dozen people on June 24, including 12 children, local officials confirmed.
Twenty people were struck by the lightning bolt near the Lake Murray dam in Lexington County, outside the state capital of Columbia, county spokesperson Vanessa Diaz told USA TODAY on June 25.
Twelve people visited local hospitals for treatment while six others were assessed by first responders at the scene, Diaz said. All injuries were considered non-life-threatening.
No deaths were reported in connection to the strike, which came during National Lightning Safety Awareness week.
Officials received a call around 5 p.m. for an electrocution, Diaz said, adding it was a "bright and sunny at the lake, with clouds nearby but not overhead."
'Horrific': Baby found dead in hotel dresser drawer, parents charged 1 year later
The patients' ages were not immediately known, but 12 of the victims were children, Diaz said.
"The bolt of lightning that hit the water energized a metal cable with buoys on it that surrounds the swimming area," Diaz said. "Several people had swam out to the buoys and were holding onto the cable when it hit, and others were nearby swimming. Everybody got quite a jolt, we're so fortunate that injuries were not worse than they were."
Agencies responding to the scene included Lexington County Fire, Irmo Fire, Lexington County EMS and Lexington County Sheriff's Department.
Florida death: Man killed by lightning in New Smyrna while on his honeymoon
As previously reported by USA TODDAY, here are four ways people are struck by lightning:
Conduction: This is the cause of most indoor lightning deaths and injuries. Lightning travels through wires and other metal surfaces
Direct strike: The person becomes a part of the main discharge channel, usually when outside in an open area.
Side flash: Lightning strikes a tall object and part of the current jumps from the object to the victim − for example, when a person is struck while standing under a tree.
Ground current: Lightning enters the body at the point closest to a strike, travels through the body and leaves at the contact point farthest away from the initial strike. This causes most deaths and injuries.
A fully enclosed car or truck can be an option of last resort, but don't touch the steering wheel, radio or ignition.
Choose the closest large, enclosed space with plumbing and electrical wiring.
Don't shelter in unprotected open buildings, such as metal sheds, picnic pavilions, baseball dugouts and porches.
If a shelter isn't available, keep moving to search for a safe place. Don't lie down or crouch on the ground. Avoid trees, light poles, metal fences and bleachers.
Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver with USA TODAY, and Nina Tran with the Greenville News
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lightning strike hits 20 people at South Carolina beach: Officials
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
Have Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial charges been dropped? Prosecutors ditch previous claims
As a verdict nears in Sean "Diddy" Combs' criminal trial, prosecutors are no longer pursuing some of their previous claims against the embattled hip-hop mogul, although top charges remain. In a June 24 letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, attorneys for the U.S. government revealed they are withdrawing some of their criminal allegations against Combs ahead of closing arguments in his sweeping federal sex-crimes case, according to court documents reviewed by USA TODAY. The move was made as part of an effort to "streamline" instructions that will soon be issued to jurors as they head into deliberations. USA TODAY has reached out to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York for comment. Prosecutors have now said they want jurors to no longer consider their claims that Combs allegedly engaged in racketeering by attempting kidnapping in California and New York, attempting arson in California and aiding and abetting sex trafficking. However, the U.S. government's removal of the allegations doesn't amount to dropping federal charges against Combs. The Grammy-winning rapper's indictment accused him not just of attempting arson and kidnapping, but also of committing these crimes outright, as part of a criminal conspiracy. Combs was arrested in New York in September 2024 based on an indictment filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. Diddy trial live updates: Prosecutors drop some kidnapping, arson, sex trafficking charges Diddy's trial charges, explained Combs, whose Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided in March 2024 as part of a federal sex-trafficking investigation, was charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Federal authorities claimed Combs turned his "multi-faceted business empire" into a "criminal enterprise," in which he and his associates engaged in kidnapping, arson, physical violence, sex trafficking and forced labor, among other alleged crimes. A superseding indictment filed April 3 — the third revised indictment following an amended indictment in January and a superseding indictment in March — charged him with two additional counts: one of sex trafficking and one of transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. 10 bingeable memoirs to check out: Celebrities tell all about aging, marriage and Beyoncé Has the Diddy trial reached a verdict? No, a verdict has not yet been reached in Combs' criminal case. After more than a month of harrowing testimony from several individuals in Combs' personal and professional orbit, the prosecution rested its case on June 24. In their final round of arguments, attorneys for the U.S. government zeroed in on graphic evidence from Combs' alleged "freak off" sex parties, which included video footage, text messages and financial records relating to the rapper's involvement in the elaborate sexual performances. Meanwhile, Combs' lawyers rested their case in less than half an hour, with the defense opting not to call any witnesses to the stand. Although the music mogul's alleged abuse is at the center of the trial, Combs told the court he would not be testifying. Closing arguments are expected to begin Thursday, June 26, and stretch into the following day. Contributing: Patrick Ryan and Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Columbus to open cooling centers — 2 days after extreme heat watch takes effect
As Columbus prepares for its first heat wave of the summer season, the city will be opening five cooling centers for residents to find some reprieve — but not until Tuesday, June 24, after three days of forecasted daytime highs of more than 90 degrees. The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department said in a June 20 news release that they would be opening cooling centers at five of their regional community centers in preparation for the heat wave, which is expected to grip much of the central and eastern United States. Up to 170 million people across the country will experience temperatures at or above 90 degrees, USA TODAY reported. In addition, the Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square will be opening a cooling station on June 24, according to a news release from the church. The church said they'd also be offering a 25-minute service of Holy Communion on the side of the chapel at noon. The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued an extreme heat watch for central Ohio that went into effect at noon on June 22 and runs until Wednesday, June 25. Air temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s, with heat index values peaking at 105 degrees, according to the weather service. However, the city recreation and parks department's cooling centers will not be opening until June 24, three days after temperatures are forecast to reach 90 or above and two days after the extreme heat watch will take effect. Dominique Shank, recreation and parks spokesperson, did not return a phone message June 20 left to ask why the cooling centers would not be opened until after the extreme heat watch is underway. The following cooling centers will open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning on June 24 and continuing "until the heat subsides," according to the recreation and parks department: Dodge Community Center - 667 Sullivant Ave. Driving Park Community Center - 1100 Rhoads Ave. Glenwood Community Center - 1880 Fairmont Ave. Linden Community Center - 1350 Briarwood Ave. Marion Franklin Community Center - 2801 Lockbourne Road Trinity Episcopal Church - 125 E. Broad St. All of the city's outdoor pools will be open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the city will be waiving the $1 admission fee — again not beginning until June 24, until the heat subsides. The Barnett, Linden, and Scioto Southland spray grounds will also be open from noon to 8 p.m. beginning on June 24 until the heat subsides. All spray grounds will continue to be free, the city said. The City of Hilliard announced the good news on June 23 that its Hilliard Station Park splash pad was back in operation after repairs took longer than expected. Hilliard's Station Park hours are 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. through August 31, then 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sept. 1 - 30. The splash pad will close at 3 p.m. each Thursday, except July 3, in preparation for Celebration at the Station. As temperatures soar, so does the likelihood of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Cleveland Clinic has several tips on how to prevent these illnesses: Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Stay hydrated at all times, even if you're not exercising. Keep your home at a cool, comfortable temperature using fans and/or air conditioning. Visit a cooling center at a mall or community center if your home is too hot. Limit or avoid physical activity in the heat. If you can't avoid it, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors where it's cool. Take a cool shower after spending time in the heat. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risks for heat-related illness, they'll work with you to lower these risks whenever possible. Seniors who are in need of fans can contact LifeCare Alliance at 614-278-3130 to request one. June 23: Sunny, high near 96. June 23 night: Mostly clear, low around 76. June 24: Sunny and hot, high near 97. June 24 night: Partly cloudy, low around 75. June 25: Mostly sunny, high near 95. Chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. June 25 night: Partly cloudy, low around 75. Chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. June 26: Mostly sunny, high near 94. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. June 26 night: Partly cloudy, low around 75. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. June 27: Mostly sunny, high near 92. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Dispatch reporter Nathan Hart contributed to this report. Reporter Shahid Meighan can be reached at smeighan@ at ShahidMeighan on X, and at on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus to open cooling centers 2 days after heat watch starts
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
'Liver King' arrested after making threats against Joe Rogan
The social media fitness influencer known as the 'Liver King' was arrested on Tuesday, June 25 in Austin, Texas, after police say he posted threatening messages on social media directed at popular podcast host Joe Rogan. In a statement to USA TODAY, the Austin Police Department said officers arrested Brian Johnson, also known as the 'Liver King,' after they learned he had traveled to Austin following threats he had posted against Rogan on Instagram. In the series of videos, Johnson makes threats against the podcaster and challenges Rogan to fight 'man to man.' "Joe Rogan, I'm calling you out, my name's Liver King. Man to man, I'm picking a fight with you," Johnson said in a video posted Monday, June 23. "I have no training in jiu-jitsu, you're a black belt, you should dismantle me. But I'm picking a fight with you. Your rules, I'll come to you, whenever you're ready." Austin police said they contacted Rogan, who told them he had never interacted with Johnson and felt threatened by the series of posts. Later that day, and after speaking to Rogan, police arrested Johnson at the Four Seasons Hotel and charged him with terroristic threat, police said. 'Liver King' and Joe Rogan representatives did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment on Wednesday. Who is the 'Liver King'? Now-disgraced TikTok influencer the Liver King, born Brian Johnson, went viral during the pandemic for his promotion of an "ancestral lifestyle" centered mainly around a raw meat diet and daily intake of liver, purportedly to increase energy and improve digestion. Such benefits aren't backed by science, however, and the recommendation to eat raw beef isn't supported by any health agency either. Johnson promotes what he calls nine "ancestral tenets" as the foundation of his lifestyle, mimicking how early humans supposedly lived. In 2022, leaked private emails revealed that Johnson had used steroids. He later apologized for lying to his followers in an ABC News interview, before being hit with a $25 million class action lawsuit in January 2023. The lawsuit was dismissed in March 2023 with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. USA TODAY's Taijuan Moorman and Daryl Austin contributed to this report. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
