Lightning strike injures 12 children and 8 adults at Dominion Beach Park, South Carolina
A lightning strike at Dominion Beach Park on Lake Murray, Lexington County, South Carolina, sent electrical current through a swim area cable, injuring 20 people in the evening of June 24, 2025.
Credit: Ken Lund
Twenty people were injured at Dominion Beach Park in Lexington County, South Carolina, after a lightning strike energized the metal cable and buoy line in the designated swim area at approximately 17:00 local time (21:00 UTC) on June 24. Twelve of the injured were children.
Lexington County Fire Service explained that the lightning bolt energized the swim area’s buoy and cable system when the victims were holding or near the system at the time of the strike. The electrical charge traveled through the metal components, resulting in injuries of varying severity.
Twelve individuals were transported to three regional hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries at the time of the incident. Two were treated and released at the scene; the remaining six were medically evaluated and cleared as well. All affected individuals are expected to make full recoveries.
Weather conditions at the time included developing thunderstorms in the area, which included a warning for the same that was issued just five minutes before the lightning strike happened. The thunderstorm included winds clocking in at speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph), and the lightning struck on an otherwise sunny day.
The Dominion Beach Park was closed following the incident to allow for safety evaluations. Authorities stated it would reopen on June 25 after confirmation of electrical system safety and ground conditions.
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