Las Vegas Sun

March 19, 2024

California lightning hits 14; 2 critically injured

Authorities now say 14 people — including a 15-year-old — have been struck by lightning during rare summer thunderstorms that have swept through Southern California, injuring two critically.

Los Angeles fire spokeswoman Katherine Main says 13 people, including the teen, were treated after they were struck Sunday afternoon at Venice Beach in Los Angeles. Four were treated at the scene and released, and the rest were taken to hospitals, where two are in critical condition.

Some appear to have been in the water and others on the beach's famed boardwalk.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says a 14th person was struck on a golf course on Southern California's Catalina Island. The 57-year-old man is reported in stable condition.

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