One man is dead and more than a dozen others were injured when lightning struck a New Jersey archery range Wednesday night.
Lightning struck just after 7pm at the Black Night Bow Benders outdoor archery range in Jackson Township, WNBC reports.
About 20 people connected to Jackson Scouts Troupe 204, a Scouting America-affiliated group, were on the practice range at the time, Gene Grodski, a member of the archery club told the New York Times.
An unidentified 61-year-old man, the eldest of the victims, died as a result of his injuries, while 13 others suffered from injuries ranging from burns to complaints of feeling ill.
At least eight of those victims were juveniles, Mayor Michael Reina told the Asbury Park Press, and the deceased was their troop leader.
One person also temporarily lost consciousness, and emergency workers used a defibrillator on two members.
EMS from several nearby townships rushed to the scene, as did paramedics and firefighters, according to ABC 7.
The victims, the youngest of whom were just seven, were then rushed to a local hospital, with Grodski saying the children appeared to be OK and were transported in ambulances ‘just in case.’
Lightning also struck a nearby apartment building, but only minor damage was reported.
The incident came as the area, which includes Six Flags Great Adventure, was under a severe thunderstorm warning
Wednesday’s fatality marks the 12th lightning-related death this year, according to preliminary information from the National Lightning Safety Council.
About half of the fatalities have involved fishing, which continues to rank as one of the most dangerous activities when thunderstorms are nearby.
Gov. Phil Murphy has said he was briefed on the situation.
‘Please pray for everyone involved in this tragic incident,’ he wrote on X.
Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina also told ABC 7 that he is ‘deeply saddened by the loss of life tonight’ as he praised first responders for their ‘phenomenal job.’
DailyMail.com has reached out to Jackson Township police for more information.
