Three individuals sustained injuries after being struck by lightning at a popular summer beach destination on Saturday night.
Following the lightning strike at St. Augustine Pier in Florida, two of the victims were taken to the hospital, one in critical condition and the other with minor injuries, as reported by WJXT.
The third person declined hospitalization.
The pier was temporarily closed while emergency responders tended to the injured individuals and assessed any damage. It is anticipated to reopen on Monday.
“Please avoid the pier during emergency operations and remember, when you hear thunder, seek shelter indoors,” advised St. John’s County Fire Rescue in a Facebook post. “Stay safe and stay aware of the weather conditions.”
St. Augustine Beach Mayor Dylan Rumrell echoed the warning, urging residents to find shelter at the sound of thunder.
Witnesses described beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers panicking and rushing to their cars after the lightning strike.
“I got scared, everybody was scared,” one witness stated.
According to the National Weather Service, there have been six lightning strike fatalities in the United States in 2025, occurring in different states including North Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, and Oklahoma.
The average annual fatality rate from lightning strikes over the past 10 years is 20 people per year.
To minimize the risk of being struck by lightning, the National Weather Service advises individuals to move away from high ground, hills, mountain ridges, or peaks. They also caution against lying down to avoid lightning, seeking shelter under isolated trees, using cliffs or rocky overhangs for protection, and being near bodies of water or anything that conducts electricity.
