Lightning in Indianapolis: 3 Children Struck at Jewish Summer Camp, 'Sky Didn't Even Get Dark'
Lightning in Indianapolis' surrounding area struck three children while they were at Jewish summer camp Saturday, according to reports. The children were in a field when the lightning suddenly struck without warning.
The lightning in the Indianapolis-area camp injured the three children, leaving one in critical condition. A 12-year-old boy from Loveland, Ohio, a 9-year-old girl from Chesterfield, Mo. and a 9-year-old boy from Kentucky were the victims. Counselors and campers at the Goldman Union Camp Institute, a reform Jewish camp, were caught off guard by the incident, as there was no storm or rain at the time.
"It's tragic. I feel so sorry. There's nothing you could prepare because the sky didn't even get dark really," Carmen Siegel, who lives near the camp, told WRTV-TV. She said the accompanying thunder was so loud she jumped into the air.
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Immediately after the lightning strike, which happened at around 1:40 p.m., counselors started life-saving efforts on the three affected youth. Soon after, paramedics arrived on the scene to give medical attention to the children. They were taken to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, according to the Associated Press.
The camp addressed the incident in a statement, assuring parents that their children were safe.
"This Shabbat afternoon, lightning struck URJ Goldman Union Camp. Three campers were injured. Camp personnel and emergency professionals responded quickly. The children were taken to local hospitals and we have spoken with each child's parents," Rabbi Mark Covitz, director of the camp, wrote on the GUCI Facebook page.
"We are resuming our normal camp schedule, which will include dinner and evening program," he added. "Please know, the safety of your children is our highest priority."
By Sunday, the camp resumed its normal activities. At least 100 youth currently reside at the camp, which has been operational since 1958. The medical condition of the three injured children was unavailable.
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