5 People Injured After Lightning Strike in Poughkeepsie Park

Five people were struck by lightning in a Poughkeepsie park Friday afternoon, three of them suffered life-threatening injuries. 

The lightning strike happened at Mansion Park in Poughkeepsie. The park is surrounded by Mansion, Clinton, and Hamilton streets. According to a press release issued by the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the individuals were gathered together or sitting on a bench in the park when the severe weather hit.

Three of the victims suffered serious injuries after being rendered unconscious by the strike. They received CPR at the scene and were transported to Vassar Hospital where they are still being treated. The two others suffered non-life threatening injuries and were conscious after the strike. They were transported Mid-Hudson Regional hospital.

Two witness reported seeing a bolt of lightning strike where the group was sitting. The area near the group was burning and smoking after the bolt.