A 13-year-old boy who was struck by lightning in Orchard Beach died, the New York Police Department said. Five others who were also struck remained hospitalized.
Boy struck by lightning in Orchard Beach dies while 5 others hospitalized
The group had been rushed to Jacobi Medical Center after EMS responded to the beach in Pelham Bay Park around 5:20 p.m. Thursday, the FDNY said. Medics treated and then transported the victims to the hospital.
The identity of the boy, who was from the Bronx, had not been released.
The other victims were all in stable condition.
Interactive radar images show a storm cell just over the Bronx at the time. The parks department says the storm blew in quickly.
Lifeguards had pulled all swimmers from the water and staff made announcements over the public address system instructing people to clear the beach.
The victims who were sitting together did not get away from the storm in time.
The parks department issued a statement saying, “Our hearts go out to the victims of this tragic incident.
New York City is dealing with dangerously hot weather in the midst of another heat wave.
Thunderstorms can pop up suddenly during hot and humid weather.
The identity of the boy, who was from the Bronx, had not been released. Five other people who were also struck remained hospitalized and now remain stable.
