Tragedy struck on Monday as two individuals were struck by lightning and killed on a beach in Michoacán, Mexico. The victims have been identified as a hammock seller and a female vacationer.
Video footage captured the horrifying incident, showing the woman walking away from the water when she was suddenly struck by a bolt of lightning. Moments later, the man walking beside her was also struck. The impact of the electric shock sent beach workers and other swimmers running for their safety.
The female victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the man was hastily transported to a local hospital. However, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Aquila Mayor José Valencia revealed that the woman was a resident of the central state of Guanajuato, while the man sold hammocks on the beach and hailed from the nearby state of Colima.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lightning strikes the ground in the United States around 40 million times each year. While the chances of being struck by lightning are less than one in a million, about 90 percent of victims survive. The odds of being struck multiple times in a lifetime are incredibly low, occurring only about seven times.
In the United States alone, 11 people have already lost their lives due to lightning strikes this year, including two incidents involving boating and swimming. This marks an increase from the 19 fatalities recorded in 2022.
The federal weather agency highlights five ways in which lightning can strike individuals. A direct strike, which occurs in open areas, is the least common but also the most dangerous. In most direct strikes, a portion of the current moves along the surface of the skin (called flashover), while another portion travels through the body’s cardiovascular and/or nervous systems. Side flashes can also occur when lightning strikes a taller object, such as a tree, and then transfers some of the current to a nearby victim.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and potential dangers of lightning. As beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy their surroundings, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during thunderstorms.