A sudden lightning strike at South Carolina’s Lake Murray Beach Park yesterday afternoon injured twenty people, of whom eighteen have been admitted to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency services responded swiftly, treating eight adults and twelve children following the shocking incident at Dominion Beach Park.
Lake Murray Incident Strikes During Seemingly Calm Conditions
The lightning bolt struck around 4:45 pm local time at Dominion Beach Park on Lake Murray, close to Dreher Shoals. As reported by Hindustan Times, authorities confirmed that twenty people were swimming when the bolt hit the water. According to WYFF-4, eight adults and twelve children sustained injuries in the strike.
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Hospitalisation And Medical Response At Lake Murray
Emergency crews from Lexington County Fire Service, Irmo Fire District, Lexington County EMS, and the Sheriff’s Department arrived immediately at the scene, attending to twenty patients. Twelve of the injured were transferred to three local hospitals for further treatment; the remaining eight received care on site. Medical officials described the injuries as non-life-threatening, and all victims are expected to make a full recovery.
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Cause Linked To Metal Boundary Cable
Fire department sources explained that the lightning energised a metal cable stretching between buoys marking the swimming area. Many swimmers were holding the cable when the bolt struck the adjacent water, delivering an electric shock to those nearby. National Weather Service data indicates this event resulted from a single bolt that found a conductor in the cable.
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Community Support And Safety Measures
Witnesses described a tense moment of silence followed by collective panic. Community members immediately rushed to help affected swimmers, providing first aid and comfort. Authorities praised the swift action of bystanders and emergency teams.
Park officials plan to reopen Dominion Beach Park today, following safety inspections and necessary assessments. As reported by WRAL and WACH, inspections will focus on electrical conductors and storm‑warning protocols before allowing public access again.
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The Lake Murray lightning incident serves as a chilling reminder of the unpredictability of summer storms. Officials remind visitors to monitor weather alerts and avoid water during thunderstorms, especially when floating conductors are present. Despite the alarming nature of the event, a potential tragedy was avoided thanks to rapid response and community solidarity.
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