SC Lightning Strike: 20 Injured at Vacation Spot
- A sudden lightning strike at Dominion Beach Park on Lake Murray in Lexington County, S.C., injured 20 people Tuesday afternoon.
- Emergency services, including the Lexington County Sheriff's Department, fire service, and EMS, responded to the incident.
- The incident follows a report of four Kentucky women injured by lightning strike while vacationing in Marco Island,Fla., over the weekend.
A shocking lightning strike in South Carolina injured 20 people enjoying a summer day at lake Murray, including eight adults and twelve children. Emergency services swiftly responded, transporting twelve to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. This incident adds to a growing concern, with the National Lightning Safety Council reporting four fatalities in the U.S. in 2025.Understand how to stay safe during summer activities, as the council emphasizes the need for precautions. News Directory 3 delivers breaking safety alerts such as this, urging everyone to plan ahead and avoid lightning strike threats. Postpone events if lightning is anticipated,and remember that strikes can reach up to ten miles from a storm. Discover what’s next …
Lightning Strike at Lake Murray Injures 20; safety Concerns Rise
Updated June 25, 2025
A sudden lightning strike at Dominion Beach Park on Lake Murray in Lexington County, S.C., injured 20 people Tuesday afternoon. County officials reported that the lightning strike resulted in electric shocks to eight adults and 12 children who were enjoying the popular summertime destination.
Emergency services, including the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, fire service, and EMS, responded to the incident. Twelve of the injured were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The incident follows a report of four Kentucky women injured by lightning strike while vacationing in Marco Island,Fla., over the weekend. The National Lightning Safety Council reports four fatal lightning strike incidents in the U.S. this year, occurring in Texas, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Florida.
In 2024, there were 12 lightning-related fatalities nationwide, according to the council.
The National Lightning Safety Council emphasizes the importance of planning ahead to avoid lightning strike threats, especially during outdoor summer activities. They advise postponing events if lightning is anticipated and note that lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.
“Summertime leisure activities such as fishing, boating, camping, going to the beach, etc. contribute to about two-thirds of the lightning fatalities with the remainder related to work or routine daily activities,” the group said.”The best way to protect yourself from lightning is to plan ahead so that you can avoid the lightning threat.”
What’s next
Authorities continue to urge vigilance during outdoor activities, especially as summer thunderstorms remain a threat. The National Lightning Safety Council will likely continue its public awareness campaigns to promote safety and preparedness.