News Summary
A lightning strike at Lake Murray’s Dreher Shoals Dam injured 20 individuals, including 12 children. The strike occurred unexpectedly, leading to non-life-threatening injuries. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as swimmers fled the water. Emergency services responded quickly, transporting victims to local hospitals. Safety experts are urging public awareness of weather conditions after the incident. The park was closed temporarily but is set to reopen soon. The event highlights the dangers of summer storms, reinforcing the importance of seeking shelter during threat alerts.
South Carolina witnessed a shocking incident on Tuesday evening when lightning struck a beach at Lake Murray, resulting in injuries to twenty individuals, including twelve children. The lightning strike occurred around 5 p.m. at Dreher Shoals Dam in Lake Murray Public Park, an area managed by Dominion Energy.
The severity of the injuries was reported as non-life-threatening, although the full extent of the injuries has not been disclosed. Emergency medical services responded promptly, and authorities confirmed that twelve children and six adults were transported to local hospitals, while two individuals opted to leave the scene independently.
Witness accounts describe a scene of panic as swimmers darted from the water, accompanied by the sound of children screaming and parents expressing concern. One of the injured, a 22-year-old, reported experiencing a sudden sharp pain throughout her body and feeling numb on one side. After being transported to the hospital, she regained feeling after several hours of medical evaluation. Among the other victims, at least one pregnant individual was also hospitalized but was discharged the same day. As of Wednesday, two children remained hospitalized but were reported to be in good condition, while one adult was discharged from Prisma Health.
The incident occurred under unusual weather conditions. Previously, the day had been hot and sunny, but a storm cloud passed briefly overhead just before the lightning struck, without any accompanying rain. Reports indicate that the lightning energized a metal cable linked to buoys, which may have impacted swimmers who were holding onto it.
Multiple emergency services were involved in the response, including the Lexington County Fire Service, the Irmo Fire District, Lexington County Emergency Medical Services, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Following the incident, safety experts have reiterated the importance of awareness during unexpected weather changes. The Fire Chief emphasized the necessity for individuals to seek shelter at the first sign of an approaching storm.
The Lake Murray Public Park was closed shortly after the incident but is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday. The local utility company, Dominion Energy, has been contacted for comments regarding the incident but had not responded by the time this report was compiled.
In light of the chaos and injury inflicted during the event, public sentiment has turned toward a greater appreciation for life. One victim expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, highlighting the importance of being able to watch loved ones grow. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with summer storms, even on seemingly calm days.
As investigations continue, the community remains on alert, hoping for a swift recovery for all affected individuals while reaffirming the necessity for safety precautions during unpredictable weather conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WIS TV
- WRAL
- The State
- Fox Carolina
- WLTX
- Wikipedia: Lightning Strike
- Google Search: Lake Murray Lightning Strike 2025
- Google Scholar: Lightning Injuries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- Google News: Lake Murray Lightning Strike
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
