Lighting Strike Claims the Life of a Woman in Florida Making Her the 11th Victim of the Year in the US

Florida mother is the 14th lightning-related death in the US this year. According to authorities, the woman was hit at a park waiting to pick up her child from a local school.

(Photo : Max LaRochelle/Unsplash)

As she waited in a park to pick up her child from elementary school on Thursday afternoon when she was struck by lightning, the lady was killed, and two other people were hurt, according to authorities.

An Unfortunate Incident

The mother and another family member were waiting for the child to be released from a neighboring school when the incident happened in Winter Springs, Florida, located approximately 15 miles north of Orlando. The mother, child, and adolescent were reportedly waiting near a tree in Trotwood Park when the strike happened, according to police.

Capt. Doug Seely of the Winter Springs Police Department explained during a press conference that "while they were waiting, a lightning strike came down and energized the area, which caused them to be sent to the hospitals for treatment."

Later, the Winter Springs Police Department released a statement saying, "Unfortunately, the mother passed away from the injuries."

A dog was also hurt and brought to a nearby animal hospital. Medical experts examined the toddler and dog, who "are doing great," according to the authorities.

Also Read: 13-Year-Old Girl from Chicago in Critical Condition After Lightning Strike  

Immediate Response

(Photo : Photo by Felix Mittermeier on Unsplash)

First responders said that the adolescent had left the site on her own, indicating that she was alright, according to the local news source Click Orlando. She later requested to be transferred to the hospital, nevertheless. On Friday, her condition was stable.

The victims' names have not yet been made public. Dennis Lemma, sheriff of Seminole County, referred to it as "a horrible day in the City of Winter Springs."

Lemma posted on social media Thursday night, asking for prayers for the motherless family and everyone impacted by the storm. "Our team responded to assist the city and family - and is available to serve the school system and community with any needs," Lemma added.

Thunderstorms in Florida

Early in the day, thunderstorms moved over central Florida; by 2 to 3 p.m., a pretty stable line of storms was over the Winter Springs region, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist David Houk.

Although the storms' lightning was not particularly noteworthy compared to typical Florida thunderstorms that develop over several days during the rainy season, more than 50 bolts impacted the ground in Seminole County due to this thin line of storms, according to Houk.

On Thursday night, Seminole County Public Schools posted a statement about the event on social media.

This is the 14th lightning-related fatality in the United States in 2022 and the second in Florida this year. According to statistics from the previous ten years, 18 Americans are typically killed by lightning each year by August 18, according to John Jensenius, a National Lightning Safety Council meteorologist.

Florida, according to Houk, is known as "the lightning capital of the United States," From June to September, practically every day in the state is at risk of experiencing lightning.

Extremely Rare

The likelihood of being struck by lightning in your lifetime is 1 in 15,300, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. However, the sudden bolt may cause cardiac arrest if a person is struck by lightning. Furthermore, even while only 10% of victims are fatally injured, hits can still leave victims with various chronic health issues.

The National Lightning Safety Council advises considering canceling or postponing outside activities if thunderstorms are expected, especially if someone won't be able to get to a safe spot fast.

Related Article: Exposure to Major Disasters Can Cause Long-Term Mental Health Problems  

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