Fact Check: "20 people injured in lightning strike while swimming on sunny day"
What We Know
On June 24, 2025, a lightning strike injured 20 people swimming at a beach near the Lake Murray dam in Lexington County, South Carolina. According to local officials, the incident occurred around 5 p.m. on what was described as a "bright and sunny" day, although there were clouds nearby (USA Today). Among the injured were 12 children, and while 12 individuals required treatment at local hospitals, all injuries were reported as non-life-threatening (ABC News).
The lightning strike reportedly energized a metal cable surrounding the swimming area, causing injuries to those who were holding onto it or swimming nearby when the bolt struck (USA Today). This incident occurred during National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, emphasizing the importance of understanding lightning safety (USA Today).
Analysis
The claim that "20 people were injured in a lightning strike while swimming on a sunny day" is supported by multiple reliable sources. The incident was covered by reputable news outlets such as USA Today and ABC News, which provided consistent details about the event, including the number of injured, the time, and the weather conditions at the time of the strike.
The sources confirm that the injuries were caused by a single lightning bolt that struck the water, which is consistent with known lightning behavior, particularly in how it can travel through conductive materials like water and metal cables (USA Today). The fact that the injuries were non-life-threatening and that no fatalities occurred adds to the credibility of the reports.
The sources used are credible and well-established news organizations, which typically adhere to journalistic standards for accuracy and verification. There is no indication of bias in the reporting, as the information presented aligns across multiple outlets.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "20 people were injured in a lightning strike while swimming on a sunny day" is accurate. The event was confirmed by multiple reliable sources, detailing the circumstances, the number of injuries, and the conditions at the time of the strike.
