Fact Check: "Lightning struck on a 'bright and sunny day' at the lake"
What We Know
On June 24, 2025, a lightning strike occurred at Lake Murray Public Park in South Carolina, injuring 20 individuals, including 12 children. The incident happened around 5 p.m. local time, and officials confirmed that the injuries were caused by a single lightning strike that hit the water while people were swimming. According to Vanessa Diaz, a public information officer for Lexington County, the weather conditions at the time were described as "super-hot and sunny," with no rain in sight, and she noted that it was just a "random storm cloud" that passed by (Newsweek, ABC News).
The National Weather Service corroborated that the lightning strike occurred at approximately 4:43 p.m. and was indeed a single strike that resulted in multiple injuries (Newsweek).
Analysis
The claim that lightning struck on a "bright and sunny day" is supported by multiple credible sources. Vanessa Diaz's statements to both WYFF TV and NBC News emphasize that the weather was clear and sunny at the time of the incident, which aligns with the observations made by emergency responders (Newsweek, ABC News).
Further, the report from the National Weather Service indicates that lightning can strike far from its parent cloud, which explains how a lightning strike could occur in seemingly clear weather (Newsweek). This phenomenon is not uncommon; lightning can indeed strike in conditions that appear safe, which underscores the importance of public awareness regarding lightning safety.
The reliability of the sources is strong, as they include direct statements from local officials and reports from established news organizations such as Newsweek and ABC News. Both outlets have a history of reporting on weather-related incidents and have verified the information through official channels (Newsweek, ABC News).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that lightning struck on a "bright and sunny day" at the lake is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm that the lightning strike occurred under clear weather conditions, leading to injuries among swimmers. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of lightning and the importance of safety measures during outdoor activities.
Sources
- 12 taken to hospitals after lightning strike at South Carolina lake
- Lightning Strikes at South Carolina Lake: 18 Hospitalized ... - Newsweek
- 20 people injured in lightning strike while swimming at South ...
- 12 hospitalized after lightning strike at South Carolina lake ... - MSN
- 20 people struck by single lightning bolt at South Carolina beach
