VENICE — A freak lighting storm sent 13 people to local hospitals on July 27 after lightning struck along Venice Beach.
Initial reports from the Los Angeles Fire Department said three people were struck at around 2:50 p.m. However, the number of injuries quickly rose to include 13 people who were either on the boardwalk, beach or in once case, possibly in the ocean.
According to the Associated Press, 13 people 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 were listed in critical condition. Local news blog, Venice311.org reported a scuba diver was among the injured and posted photos of at least one victim receiving CPR on the beach.
In total, 14 people were struck by lightning during the storm. According to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, the final victim was hit on Catalina Island.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said a 14th person was struck on a golf course on Southern California's Catalina Island. An Associated Press report said the 57-year-old man was in stable condition.
Photograph is courtesy of @venice311.