Man Struck By Lightning While Playing Soccer In Park
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A man was struck by lightning in Schenley Park on Monday afternoon.
Reports of the incident at the Schenley Oval Sportsplex first came in just after 2 p.m. as storms were moving through the area.
The Taylor Allderdice High School soccer team and a group of adults playing soccer were both on the field when a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the area. The high school team cleared the field when they heard thunder and saw lightning, but witnesses say many adults continued playing.
Public Safety officials say a 45-year-old man was struck by lightning.
"Next thing we know there's a big thunderclap right over head. The loudest and closest lightning I've ever seen," David Thyberg, the Taylor Allderdice assistant coach, said. "And then just the smoke coming up from over there and our other coach saw the guy unresponsive and we called 911 and ran over to check."
"I just said to my assistant, 'Call 911,' and I sprinted to the grass and I got there and there was a man lying down on his back. He was motionless. His eyes were open but not moving. He was non-responsive. There was blood coming out [of his mouth]. I could smell the electricity," Taylor Allderdice head coach Sam Bellin said.
Witnesses tried to administer aid before paramedics got to the scene.
The victim was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in critical condition.