Group of 20 hit by lightning in S.C.

One bolt of lightning hit a group of 20 people at a beach park in South Carolina on Tuesday. No one was killed, but 12 people were sent to local hospitals for treatment.

The WeatherRadar showed a thunderstorm near Lake Murray Public Park in Lexington, S.C., on Tuesday afternoon. Just one single strike hit the beach park, shocking 20 people who were enjoying the water, including 12 children.

Water can act as a conductor for electricity. When a lightning bolt hits water, it can spread out and shock multiple people, as was the case on Tuesday. While 12 people were sent to local hospitals for treatment, there were no fatalities from this event.

Unfortunately, other lightning strikes this year have been deadly. Four people have been killed by lightning so far this year. In 2024, 12 people were killed by lightning. U.S. lightning fatalities have dropped from about 55 per year to about 20 since 2001.

Planning ahead can keep you safe. Keeping an eye on our WeatherRadar and our LightningRadar will allow you to see when storms are heading your way. When you hear thunder or see lightning, it's time to seek shelter.