A Florida man was struck by lightning on Clearwater Beach, and seven people standing near him were injured. A severe thunderstorm rolled through the area around 12:30 p.m. sending many beachgoers running to find cover as the lifeguards climbed down from their towers.
About 15 minutes later, a massive bolt of lightning struck one man who was still on the beach with a group of friends, sending him into cardiac arrest. He was rushed to Morton Plant Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Three of the injured victims were also taken there, while a fourth victim was transported to a different hospital with burns. The other three people who were standing near the man refused medical treatment.
The National Weather Service says that if you hear thunder, even on a sunny day, you should seek cover because there is a chance that you could be struck by lightning from a faraway storm.
Photo: Getty Images