Striking lightning at an archery range in New Jersey leaves one person dead and fourteen others injured.
In a shocking turn of events, one person was killed and over a dozen others were injured after being struck by lightning during an archery competition in Jackson Township, New Jersey, on Wednesday evening.
The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. at the Black Knight Bowbenders outdoor archery range. Gene Grodzki, a volunteer instructor at the club, shared that the lightning strike happened during a children's archery competition.
Robert Montgomery, a long-standing member of the archery club, was pronounced dead on the scene. Montgomery, who was described as a great man and a volunteer, was performing CPR on a club member when he himself was struck by lightning. Despite Grodzki's immediate efforts, including the use of a defibrillator, Montgomery could not be revived.
Gov. Phil Murphy has been briefed on the incident and expressed condolences for those involved. The youngest victim was a 7-year-old child. At least one other victim suffered burns, and 14 other people were hurt and taken to local hospitals for treatment. Some others reported feeling unwell but did not require hospitalization.
This is at least the third incident of a person getting struck by lightning in the Tri-State Area in the past month. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued in Ocean County, but it remains unclear whether the storm had passed or was still moving through the area at the time of the incident.
In light of this tragic event, it is crucial to remind everyone about the importance of safety measures during thunderstorms.
**Key Safety Measures and Precautions for Outdoor Activities During a Thunderstorm**
1. **Seek Immediate Shelter:** If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Avoid temporary or open shelters such as picnic pavilions, dugouts, bus shelters, and tents. The only truly safe places are fully enclosed buildings with wiring or plumbing or metal-topped vehicles.
2. **Outdoor Activity Management:** If thunderstorms are forecasted, postpone or halt activities such as hiking, swimming, cycling, golfing, and organized sports. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash before resuming activities, even if the sky appears clear.
3. **Specific Hazards to Avoid:** Avoid water, metal objects, and tall objects. Avoid contact with fences, power lines, golf clubs, and fishing rods. Indoors or out, avoid showers, sinks, corded phones, and electrical appliances during a storm.
4. **Advanced Awareness and Planning:** Monitor weather forecasts, develop and follow a lightning safety plan for organized activities, and know when to evacuate if you see darkening skies or hear thunder.
**Summary Table: Do’s and Don’ts During Thunderstorms Outdoors**
| Do’s | Don’ts | |-----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Seek enclosed buildings or metal-topped vehicles | Stay in tents, open shelters, or under trees | | Stop activities and move to safety at first thunder | Continue outdoor activities during a storm | | Wait 30 minutes after last lightning before resuming| Assume the storm has passed when skies clear | | Avoid water, metal, and tall objects | Touch plumbing, electrical devices, or metal objects | | Spread out if in a group | Huddle together in open areas |
By following these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of lightning injury during outdoor activities.
As the community mourns the loss of Robert Montgomery, let us all remember to prioritize safety during thunderstorms and other potentially dangerous weather conditions.
News of a tragic incident in Jackson Township, New Jersey, involves Robert Montgomery, a member of an archery club, who was killed during a children's competition when a lightning strike occurred. This unfortunate event underscores the importance of general news about safety measures during weather-related incidents, such as thunderstorms.
In light of this event, it is worth noting that sports-betting enthusiasts may find relevant weather updates crucial for outdoor sports, as extreme weather conditions might impact game schedules and outcomes. Moreover, with the frequency of accidents related to lightning strikes, it is essential for residents in the Tri-State Area to stay informed about weather forecasts and follow the listed safety precautions to avoid accidents.
In addition to staying updated on severe weather events, individuals should be mindful of ongoing news stories covering various topics, such as public safety, politics, general-news, accidents, and sports.
