20 Injured After Lightning Strikes Crowded Beach

A relaxing afternoon at a popular South Carolina beach turned into a terrifying scene Tuesday after a sudden bolt of lightning struck swimmers in the water — injuring 20 people, including children.

The freak accident happened around 5 p.m. at Dominion Beach Park, near the Lake Murray Dam in Lexington County. Officials say the lightning strike electrified a metal cable strung with buoys that marked the swimming area, jolting those who were touching it or swimming nearby.

“It was a bright, sunny day. Nobody saw this coming,” said Vanessa Diaz, public information officer for Lexington County. “Then out of nowhere — boom. Chaos.”

Of the 20 people hurt, eight were adults and 12 were minors. Twelve victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, while the rest were treated on-site. Fortunately, none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

“It could’ve been so much worse,” said a firefighter with the Irmo Fire District, who asked not to be named. “Everyone out there got a powerful jolt. We’re honestly amazed we’re not dealing with fatalities.”

Witnesses say several swimmers had just reached the floating buoys — and were holding the cable — when the lightning hit. Others were wading nearby when they felt the shockwave ripple through the water.

“Lightning can strike out of the blue — literally,” the Irmo Fire District said in a statement. “There wasn’t a cloud in sight. It makes no sense, but today, a few hundred people saw just how unpredictable and dangerous lightning can be.”

The National Weather Service classifies lightning as an “underrated killer.” Since 2001, the agency has used the last week of June as Lightning Safety Awareness Week, aiming to educate the public on the hidden risks of strikes. So far this year, four Americans have died due to lightning-related incidents, according to the National Lightning Safety Council.

Dominion Beach Park was briefly shut down for safety checks but is expected to reopen Wednesday following clearance from emergency personnel.

Officials are urging swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts to take lightning threats seriously — even when skies seem clear.

“If you hear thunder or see lightning, get out of the water immediately,” Diaz warned. “It can be sunny and still deadly.”