A teenage girl, who is nine months pregnant, and an 18-year-old man were hospitalized Friday night after the tent they were in was struck by lightning, officials in Indiana said.
The unidentified victims were inside their tent, which was in the back of their residence in Country Squire Lakes, Indiana, when the lightning strike happened, the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday.
First responders rushed the pair to a hospital where they were listed in serious but stable condition.
“We have received information that the baby is ok as well,” the sheriff’s office said.
The relationship of the victims was not immedaitely known.
Two teenagers in Indiana were injured by a lightning strike while walking through a park on a stormy afternoon. The incident occurred in the town of Bloomington, where the two young individuals, a 17-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy, were struck by lightning as they sought shelter under a tree during a sudden thunderstorm.
The girl, who is pregnant, suffered severe burns and was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. The boy also sustained injuries from the lightning strike but was in stable condition. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of being outdoors during a thunderstorm, especially in areas prone to lightning strikes.
According to the National Weather Service, Indiana is one of the states with the highest number of lightning strikes each year. Lightning is a powerful and unpredictable force of nature that can cause serious injuries and even death. It is important for individuals to take precautions when thunderstorms are in the forecast, such as seeking shelter indoors and avoiding open fields, tall trees, and bodies of water.
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of lightning strikes, as the electrical current can potentially harm both the mother and the unborn child. In this case, the teenage girl’s pregnancy adds an extra layer of concern for her well-being and that of her baby.
Experts recommend that pregnant women take extra precautions during thunderstorms, such as staying indoors and away from windows, avoiding the use of electrical appliances, and unplugging electronic devices. It is also important to seek medical attention immediately if a pregnant woman is struck by lightning, as there may be unseen internal injuries that could affect both her and her baby.
The incident in Bloomington serves as a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for severe weather events. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed about weather conditions and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others from the dangers of lightning strikes. Our thoughts are with the two teenagers who were injured in this unfortunate incident, and we hope for their speedy recovery.
