POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Five people were struck by lightning at Mansion Square Park in Poughkeepsie Friday evening, according to the Associated Press and National Weather Service. Poughkeepsie is about 30 miles from the Connecticut border, near Kent.
Three people have life threatening injuries and were taken to Vassar Brothers Hospital, according to PIX 11 News. Two others were transported to Mid Hudson Regional Hospital with less serious injuries.
PIX 11 reports that witnesses told officials the victims were sitting on a bench under a tree when the lightning hit around 4 p.m.
The New York Times reports two witnesses saw a bolt of lightning strike near the group, then smoke and fire popped up. There were scorch marks on a nearby tree, and the wooden bench was destroyed.
The times says all the victims were between 46 and 55.
Video taken at the scene showed first responders performing CPR on at least one victim.
After the storm passed through Poughkeepsie, it continued into Litchfield County producing rain and more lightning.
Stay with FOX 61 as the story develops, and get the latest information on the forecast here.
