Lightning Strikes Three at Florida Beach, Leaving One in Critical Condition
Three individuals were injured from a lightning strike in a well-known beach resort town on Saturday night.
Two of the victims at St. Augustine Pier in Florida were taken to the hospital, with one reported to be in critical condition and the other sustaining minor injuries, as indicated by local news outlet WJXT.
A third victim declined hospitalization.
The pier was temporarily closed as fire crews attended to those affected and assessed the scene for any damage, with an anticipated reopening on Monday.
St. John’s County Fire Rescue advised the public via a Facebook post, “Avoid the pier during emergency operations—remember, when thunder roars, go indoors. Stay safe and be aware of the weather.”
Mayor Dylan Rumrell of St. Augustine Beach echoed this warning, urging residents to find shelter at the sign of thunder.
“There’s a significant storm, and lightning can strike without warning,” he was quoted as saying.
Witnesses reported panic among beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers, with many rushing to their vehicles soon after the strike.
“I was frightened; everyone was frightened,” said one eyewitness.
As of now, the National Weather Service has documented six fatalities from lightning strikes across the United States in 2025, occurring in various states including North Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, and Oklahoma.
The average annual death toll from lightning strikes over the past decade is 20 individuals.
To mitigate the risk of lightning strikes, the National Weather Service advises individuals to steer clear of elevated areas such as hills and mountain ridges.
They recommend against lying down to evade lightning, seeking shelter under isolated trees, or using cliffs for cover, and stress the importance of moving away from water and electrically conductive objects.
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