LEXINGTON, S.C. (AP) — A lightning strike at Dominion Beach Park near Lake Murray Dam in South Carolina resulted in a dozen individuals being hospitalized on Tuesday. Emergency services swiftly responded to the incident, where officials reported assessing 20 patients, which included 12 children. According to Vanessa Diaz, a spokesperson for Lexington County, 18 individuals received on-site treatment, and 12 were subsequently transported to local hospitals. Thankfully, the injuries sustained during the incident were deemed non-life-threatening, and all affected individuals were expected to recover.
The park was slated to reopen on Wednesday, pending safety assessments and clearance from relevant authorities. This incident unfolded during seemingly pleasant weather conditions, described as sunny with scattered clouds; however, there was an unexpected lightning strike that caught many off guard. The Irmo Fire District, through a social media update, noted that the lightning struck the water while people were either swimming near or holding onto a metal cable and the buoys surrounding the swimming area.
In a statement reflecting on the event, the fire agency mentioned, “Everybody got quite a jolt,” emphasizing the fortunate circumstance that the injuries were not more severe than experienced. Spokesperson Sloane Valentino of the Irmo Fire District indicated that those clinging to the metal cable suffered the most significant injuries, which included minor burns. The quick response of emergency personnel ensured that anyone affected received timely medical attention.
Meteorologist Matt Gropp from the National Weather Service in Columbia described the incident as “a bolt from the blue,” drawing attention to the fact that individuals at the lake were likely unaware of a sudden thunderstorm several miles to the south. Despite the proximity of the storm, there was no rainfall observed at Dominion Beach Park at the time of the lightning strike. Gropp highlighted that this was among the first lightning strikes of the approaching storm, catching the visitors by surprise.
This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of weather, particularly in cases where sudden thunderstorms can erupt without warning. The local community has expressed relief that no more severe injuries occurred and acknowledged the importance of safety measures while engaging in outdoor activities, especially near bodies of water during unpredictable weather conditions.
As more information continues to emerge regarding the aftermath of the lightning strike, officials recommend that individuals remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, particularly when engaging in outdoor recreational activities during stormy weather. The situation is a reminder to adhere to safety guidelines and be prepared for rapid changes in weather.
