Lexington County, South Carolina, August 19, 2025
News Summary
In a shocking incident at Dominion Beach Park, 20 people, including 12 children, were struck by lightning while swimming during a thunderstorm. The lightning energized a nearby metal cable, causing significant electrical shock. Fortunately, all injured individuals, who were taken to local hospitals, are expected to survive. The National Weather Service had issued warnings prior to the incident, advising residents to seek shelter indoors. Enhanced safety protocols are set to be implemented as the park prepares to reopen.
Lexington County, South Carolina – 20 People Struck by Lightning at Beach Park
On Tuesday evening, a group of 20 individuals, including 12 children and 8 adults, were struck by lightning while swimming at Dominion Beach Park near Dreher Shoals Dam in Lexington County, South Carolina. The incident occurred around 4:43 p.m. ET amidst a thunderstorm that had prompted local authorities to issue weather warnings for the area.
The lightning strike caused a hazardous situation when it energized a metal cable that surrounded the swimming area. At the time of the strike, the victims were holding onto the cable, amplifying the electrical impact. Emergency officials reported that while everyone experienced a significant shock, they were fortunate that injuries were not worse. Initial reports indicated that 18 individuals were sent to local hospitals, but this figure has since been revised to 12 individuals receiving treatment across three local facilities. Fortunately, all those injured are expected to survive, although the extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.
Weather Conditions Prior to the Incident
Prior to the lightning strike, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued an updated report at 5:35 p.m. noting strong thunderstorms in effect until 6 p.m. for Lexington County. Doppler radar tracked a significant thunderstorm located approximately 8 miles south of Red Bank, moving southwest at a speed of 5 mph. The storm was expected to bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts reaching up to 55 mph. Areas impacted by the storm included Red Bank, Gaston, Pelion, Thor, and multiple other locales, along with a specified alert for Interstate 20 in South Carolina.
As a precaution, the NWS advised individuals to seek shelter indoors while the storm approached, highlighting the dangers posed by lightning. Statistics from the NWS indicate that lightning strikes the U.S. roughly 25 million times yearly, with a majority of fatalities occurring in summer, averaging around 20 deaths annually.
Incident Aftermath and Safety Measures
A spokesperson from the National Lightning Safety Council remarked that lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a thunderstorm’s core, underscoring the necessity of heeding weather alerts. A special weather statement was released just 5 minutes before the lightning strike, warning residents of the incoming storm’s severity.
Dominion Beach Park is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday following the incident, with local authorities promising enhanced safety protocols to protect visitors in instances of severe weather. The public is reminded of the importance of taking heavy weather warnings seriously and seeking prompt shelter when storms approach.
Summary of Key Points
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dominion Beach Park, Lexington County, SC |
| Date and Time | Tuesday at 4:43 p.m. ET |
| Number of People Struck | 20 (12 children, 8 adults) |
| Injuries | 12 individuals treated, all expected to survive |
| Weather Warnings | Thunderstorm alert issued by NWS |
| Thunderstorm Impact | Wind gusts up to 55 mph, pea-sized hail |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Dominion Beach Park?
A group of 20 people were struck by lightning while swimming during a thunderstorm.
How many individuals were injured?
Initially reported as 18, a total of 12 individuals were sent to local hospitals for treatment.
What were the weather conditions during the incident?
The area was under a thunderstorm alert from the NWS, with warnings of high winds and lightning.
Is there any information on the extent of injuries?
The specific injuries have not been disclosed, but all affected are expected to survive.
When will the park reopen?
Dominion Beach Park is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday following the incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Weather Causes Widespread Power Outages in South Carolina
Columbia, S.C. Announces Weekend-Only Swimming Schedule
Inmate Dies After Hospital Transport in Lexington County
Lexington K-9 Officer Dies from Heat-Related Illness
Severe Weather Warnings and Tornadoes Hit South Carolina
Lancaster University Issues Severe Thunderstorm Alert
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Midlands Area
Tropical Storm Chantal Approaches South Carolina Coast
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Sweep Across South Carolina
Lightning Strike Injures Twenty Swimmers at Lake Murray
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather
- Wikipedia: Lightning strike
- Herald Online
- Google Search: Weather Thunderstorms Lexington County
- WLTX
- Google Scholar: Lightning Safety Council
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Spectrum Local News
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.
