June 29, 2025

Lightning Strike Injures 20 at Lake Murray Beach

News Summary

A lightning strike at Lake Murray’s Dreher Shoals Dam injured 20 individuals, including 12 children. The strike occurred unexpectedly, leading to non-life-threatening injuries. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as swimmers fled the water. Emergency services responded quickly, transporting victims to local hospitals. Safety experts are urging public awareness of weather conditions after the incident. The park was closed temporarily but is set to reopen soon. The event highlights the dangers of summer storms, reinforcing the importance of seeking shelter during threat alerts.

South Carolina witnessed a shocking incident on Tuesday evening when lightning struck a beach at Lake Murray, resulting in injuries to twenty individuals, including twelve children. The lightning strike occurred around 5 p.m. at Dreher Shoals Dam in Lake Murray Public Park, an area managed by Dominion Energy.

The severity of the injuries was reported as non-life-threatening, although the full extent of the injuries has not been disclosed. Emergency medical services responded promptly, and authorities confirmed that twelve children and six adults were transported to local hospitals, while two individuals opted to leave the scene independently.

Witness accounts describe a scene of panic as swimmers darted from the water, accompanied by the sound of children screaming and parents expressing concern. One of the injured, a 22-year-old, reported experiencing a sudden sharp pain throughout her body and feeling numb on one side. After being transported to the hospital, she regained feeling after several hours of medical evaluation. Among the other victims, at least one pregnant individual was also hospitalized but was discharged the same day. As of Wednesday, two children remained hospitalized but were reported to be in good condition, while one adult was discharged from Prisma Health.

The incident occurred under unusual weather conditions. Previously, the day had been hot and sunny, but a storm cloud passed briefly overhead just before the lightning struck, without any accompanying rain. Reports indicate that the lightning energized a metal cable linked to buoys, which may have impacted swimmers who were holding onto it.

Multiple emergency services were involved in the response, including the Lexington County Fire Service, the Irmo Fire District, Lexington County Emergency Medical Services, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Following the incident, safety experts have reiterated the importance of awareness during unexpected weather changes. The Fire Chief emphasized the necessity for individuals to seek shelter at the first sign of an approaching storm.

The Lake Murray Public Park was closed shortly after the incident but is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday. The local utility company, Dominion Energy, has been contacted for comments regarding the incident but had not responded by the time this report was compiled.

In light of the chaos and injury inflicted during the event, public sentiment has turned toward a greater appreciation for life. One victim expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, highlighting the importance of being able to watch loved ones grow. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with summer storms, even on seemingly calm days.

As investigations continue, the community remains on alert, hoping for a swift recovery for all affected individuals while reaffirming the necessity for safety precautions during unpredictable weather conditions.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.