Nation & World News
Florida beach lightning strike leaves 1 in critical condition, 7 others injured
By Jared Leone, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
July 21, 2019One person was struck by lightning and seven others nearby were also injured by the impact Sunday, officials said.
A group of people was at Clearwater Beach near Frenchy’s Rockaway restaurant when a man was struck by lightning around 12:42 p.m., causing him to have a heart attack, officials said.
He was taken to a hospital and is in critical condition, officials said. Another person was taken to a hospital with burn injuries. Three others were taken to a hospital with unknown injuries. Another three people refused transport.
Lifeguards had left their towers around 12:30 p.m. as severe thunderstorms began to roll through the area.
“Beachgoers should take cover and go to a safe place when lightning and thunder are present,” officials said.
