One lifeguard reportedly died and seven other people were injured when they were struck by lightning on a New Jersey beach.
The deadly strike took place on South Seaside Park beach, on the beach on 21st Street, around 4:30 p.m., as confirmed by the Berkeley City Police Department.
A male lifeguard was struck by lightning and could not hear after being hit, according to New Jersey 101.5. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Three other lifeguards were injured in the strike, police said, along with four beachgoers.
Among the injured are a 50-year-old woman, a 51-year-old man and a 19-year-old man, law enforcement sources told NBC Philadelphia.
The remaining seven were taken to Toms River Community Medical Center for treatment for headaches, dizziness and hearing problems, according to NBC and the radio station.
The Berkeley police department announced that the municipality’s ocean beaches would be closed for bathing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to give lifeguards and beach staff free time, during which crisis advisers have been made available.
Seaside Heights lifeguard Captain Robert Connor wrote about the dead guard on Facebook in a post that appeared to be withdrawn later.
“So sad … Horrible news … May the Berkely Twp. RIP lifeguard..God bless your family and the Berkely Twp. Beach Patrol,” Connor said, according to New Jersey 101.5.
The station meteorologist suggested the dead lifeguard was in his chair when he was hit.
“The lifeguard was the highest point of the chair and that’s why he was hit,” meteorologist Dan Zarro said.
“Electricity travels through it, through the chair to the ground. That’s why a second lifeguard may have been hit. That’s why if someone was nearby, they may have been kicked as well. “
Berkeley Mayor Carmen Amato called Monday “a tragic and heartbreaking day for our city and the entire Jersey Shore.”
“This young man was out there protecting the lives of others. Our rescue teams, like so many on the coast, develop special connections with our community throughout the summer, making this loss even greater, ”he said in a statement.
“On behalf of myself and the entire community, I extend our deepest condolences to this young man’s family and friends.”