10 Struck By Lightning, Lifeguard Struck Trying to Clear N.J. Beach

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Images: Lightning Strikes 5 In L.I.


10 Struck By Lightning
Lifeguard Struck Trying to Clear N.J. Beach

POSTED: 11:42 am EDT July 27, 2008
UPDATED: 4:04 pm EDT July 27, 2008


NEW YORK -- Cape May fire department officials said a lifeguard was struck by lightning as he tried to clear the beach of people as rain moved in.

The man was struck at 1:17 p.m. between Paterson Street and Beach Avenue.

He was conscious and alert after being struck, and was taken to Cape Regional Medical Center. His condition was unknown.

At the same time, a girl on the beach suffered injuries to her hands. Fire authorities said it appeared she was holding an umbrella at the time. She was taken to same hospital, but her condition is unknown. It was raining at the time she was struck. She and the lifeguard are the tenth people to be struck by lightning on Sunday.

The National Park Service said a man died and two others were injured after a lightning strike on the beach in Sandy Hook. Hours earlier, five people were struck by lightning in Long Island.

Images: Lightning Strikes
Lightning Safety Tips l Severe Weather

Park service spokesman Brian Feeney said the lightning struck at about noon Sunday on a beach where swimming isn't allowed. That means there weren't even lifeguards to raise the alarm as a fast-moving severe thunderstorm swept into the area.

News 4 New York has learned that the man who died was 37. He was from Elizabeth, N.J. A man and woman in their 30s were taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center and admitted for observation. No further details were expected to be released Sunday.

All beaches at Sandy Hook National Park were closed.

5 Struck By Lightning In L.I.

Five people in their 20s were hospitalized after they were struck by lightning in Long Island.

The incident happened at Cantiague Park in Hicksville at about 10:15 a.m.

Authorities transported the five individuals to Nassau County Medical Center. They suffered burns of various degrees.

A hospital official said they were taken to the emergency room, where they were evaluated.

Two of the victims were admitted to the hospital's burn center in serious condition. The other three were treated and released, a hospital representative said.

The identities of the victims were immediately available.

The county evacuated the park and closed its swimming pool. Officials warned people not to take cover under trees during storms, saying they are prone to lightning strikes.

Check back with WNBC.com for updates on this story.

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