Five people at a James River Assembly of God church camp north of Huggins were treated for injuries Saturday after lightning struck near them, according to Gene Hatch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Springfield.
Two of the five suffered first-degree burns and another temporarily lost hearing, Hatch said. He did not know the extent of the other injuries but said all five have been released from the hospital.
The lightning struck came during a strong storm about 4:30 p.m. at the camp, according to Hatch. He said a group of roughly 300 people were camping there.
“Ironically, this is the National Weather Service’s Lightning and Heat Awareness Week,” Hatch said. “People sometimes don’t think lightning is something that can really get you, but if you hear lightning then you can be struck by it.”
Hatch cautions the public about the dangers of lightning, especially during summer storms.
“Keep in mind that even though the storms may not be severe, if there’s lightning it can cause serious injuries,” he said