Two Broward Workers Survive Lightning Strikes
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - Monday's storms proved to be dangerous as two Broward workers were struck by lightning in separate incidents.
According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the first strike was at 2 p.m., injuring an unidentified 38 year old man who was doing lawn maintenance at Indian Ridge Middle School on the 1300 block of Nob Hill Road in Davie.
Officials believe the worker was weeding near a chain link fence. They believe the fence was struck by lightning and the current traveled to the man, who may have been leaning against it.
"He's dazed and confused, and a little shook up, but in good condition," said Davie Fire Rescue Assistant Fire Marshal Bob Taylor. He was taken to the hospital.
The second strike was to a crane operator at a highway construction site in Deerfield Beach.
"The crane operator was working a remote-control device that was attached to the crane," said Deerfield Beach Fire-Rescue Chief Chad Brocato. "The crane was struck by lightning and current traveled down it and struck the operator."
The construction worker reportedly suffered burns to his right abdomen and arm and was taken to North Broward Medical Center for treatment.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Robert Molleda says although Florida gets more lightning strikes than any other state in the country, it is highly unusual for two people to be injured by lightning strikes in the same county, on the same day.
"Usually with multiple injuries or people being hit, it's from the same bolt," Molleda said.
Molleda says Monday's injuries could have been prevented by looking into the sky and stay alert.
"Don't wait for the raindrops," Molleda said. "Let the thunder be your cue that you are within the range of where lightning can strike and that you need to head indoors."
