Berkeley Township (US-Bundestat New Jersey) – A young lifeguard (19) was killed by lightning on a beach on the northeast coast of the United States.
Seven others were injured, three other lifeguards and four bathers. They have been taken to hospitals and are out of danger.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy wrote on Twitter, “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young lifeguard who was killed in a horrific lightning strike at Berkeley Township Beach today, and we pray for the full recovery of those injured.” “
Flowers were offered at the lifeguard stand in memory of the victimPhoto: Wayne Parry / AP
Pete Tortorelli was about a block from the beach when lightning suddenly struck around 4:30 p.m. local time. “It was a little cloudy in one direction, but completely cleared the other, and it was the first lightning of the day,” he said. Two minutes later he heard sirens from police cars.
Thomas Taberoni was less than 100 meters from the lifeguard stand at the beach house. “Have you ever been to an air show that broke the sound barrier with a bang and you weren’t ready for it?” The AP news agency quoted him as saying. “It was about 100 times louder.”
“We went to the beach today and are grateful for what you have done for us by ensuring our safety at the beach,” read a note on the lifeguard stand Photo: Wayne Parry / AP
Police wrote on Facebook that it is investigating reports of lightning in the area and will post more information as it becomes available.
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