Latest news with #NationalLightningSafetyAwareness
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
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@ and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lightning strike hits 20 people at South Carolina beach: Officials
USA Today
14 hours ago
- Climate
- USA Today
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 12 victims struck by lighting are children 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 How people are struck by lightning As previously reported by USA TODDAY, here are four ways people are struck by lightning: Where can you shelter if caught outside? 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@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
