Three American children were injured when lightning struck a beach in Puerto Rico. One child was seriously hurt in the incident, which occurred on Monday, May 27, in the northern coastal town of Isabela, according to Puerto Rican police.
The children, reportedly aged 7, 10, and 12, were taken to a hospital in Aguadilla, a nearby town. According to a police statement cited by the Washington Post, the oldest child was in serious condition.
X user Collin Rugg posted a video of the incident, noting that the seven-year-old “lost feeling in his feet.” The video captures the moment the lightning struck the children, causing them to fall backward. The next scene shows several children huddled together, trying to revive one of the children who was lying unresponsive on the sand.
NEW: Three American children struck by a lightning bolt on a beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The children, ages 7, 10 and 12 were huddling with each other when a lightning bolt hit the group.
The kids were seen all falling backward at the same time when the bolt hit them.… pic.twitter.com/McCCoyDxgI
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 28, 2024
Many X users commented on Rugg’s video, offering prayers for the children’s recovery and questioning why the kids were on the beach during such conditions.
“Prayers for the children and their families,” one user wrote. Another questioned, “I wonder why no one got them away from the beach. The beach is not where you want to be in lightning.” Another user expressed concern, saying, “I hope those kids are ok!! Those parents should know better than to let their kids be out in the open during a lightning storm.” One more added, “I can’t help but wonder why on earth were the kids at the beach during the thunderstorm? Nevertheless I hope they can make a full recovery.”
“Lord Jesus please be with these children and hold comfort and heal them,” one user prayed, while another commented, “As soon as I see lightning in the sky, I go inside. Nothing is worth risking a lightning strike.” Another shared, “Wow that brings a tear to my eye seeing those chest compressions going on. Hopefully the two injured kids survive. Looks like they were all out on the beach when it was raining. I think lightening is one of the reasons they tell you to get off the beach during the rain.”
