News Summary
At Dominion Beach Park near the Dreher Shoals Dam, a lightning strike injured 20 individuals, including 12 children. Emergency responders initially transported 18 to local hospitals, later adjusting the count as some left without assistance. The park is set to reopen following safety evaluations. Officials emphasized the importance of being aware of changing weather conditions, especially during the summer months when thunderstorms are more prevalent.
Lexington, South Carolina – A lightning strike at Dominion Beach Park near the Dreher Shoals Dam injured 20 individuals, including 12 children, on Tuesday, June 24, at approximately 4:43 p.m. ET. Emergency officials reported that although initially 18 individuals were sent to hospitals, this number was later revised, with 12 victims, comprising a mix of adults and children, needing treatment at local healthcare facilities.
The incident occurred while individuals were swimming in an area outlined with metal cables and buoys, which were being held onto by some victims when the lightning struck. Medical teams examined a total of 20 people on-site, with the remaining eight treated for relatively minor injuries before being released. Notably, two individuals chose to leave without medical assistance.
All individuals injured from the lightning incident are expected to make a full recovery, although specific details regarding the nature of their injuries have not been disclosed. Prisma Health was among the healthcare providers treating a combination of adults and children affected by this unexpected event.
Prior to the lightning strike, weather conditions in the area appeared bright and sunny, according to local fire department reports. However, the National Weather Service had issued a Special Weather Statement just five minutes before the event, alerting the public to the possibility of a strong thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. This illustrates the unpredictability of thunderstorms and the associated lightning risks, which officials stressed can occur even when skies seem clear.
The park is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday after undergoing safety evaluations and receiving clearance from authorities. Local safety officials used this incident as a reminder of the inherent dangers of thunderstorms, urging the public to remain vigilant about weather conditions. They emphasized that lightning can strike far from a storm, an important safety consideration for individuals engaged in outdoor activities.
As summer weather continues, the potential for thunderstorms rises, making it vital for beachgoers and swimmers to be aware of changing weather patterns and to seek shelter at the first signs of storms.
Incidents like these highlight the importance of safety precautions during severe weather and serve to educate the public on the risks involved with outdoor activities in such conditions.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4
- Google Search: lightning strikes injured children lake murray
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Lightning
- WISTV
- Google Scholar: lightning injuries
- WBTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, 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 Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
