Officials say 2 children hospitalized after lightning strike
TRAFALGAR, Ind. (WISH) — Officials now say only two of 15 children were taken to a hospital after a lightning strike to a building, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office said in an afternoon update.
None of the children appeared to be suffering from serious injuries, but they were taken to a hospital “out of an abundance of caution,” the sheriff’s office said.
A lightning strike was reported around 12:20 p.m. Thursday at the FFA Indiana Leadership Center. The center’s address is 6595 S. County Road 125 West. That’s about halfway between the towns of Trafalgar and Princes Lakes.
Authorities said a smaller wood structure, not one of the main metal buildings, was hit by lightning.
Several children and adults complained of minor pain from being shocked.
“The children involved were not even sure if they actually felt something or if it was simply a combination of the extremely loud noise and lights,” the sheriff’s office said.
Johnson County deputies and area fire crews responded to the scene. Medics checked the people who said they experienced being shocked.
Two children were taken to Johnson Memorial Hospital in Franklin as a precaution. Originally, the department said 15 children were hospitalized, but the decision was made to take just two children. The department said none of the injuries appeared to be serious.
No danger of fire was detected when firefighters checked the building.
Statement
“During a private group event on Thursday, June 3, 2021, lightning struck the property of the Indiana FFA Leadership Center. All event participants were indoors at the time. First responders were called to the scene to check for injuries and potential hazards. There were no serious injuries, but medics transported two guests to an area hospital after evaluation for precautionary reasons. First responders found no building danger or fire danger, and it was unclear where the lightning struck.
“We are thankful for the quick response from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and the Fire Departments of Nineveh, Trafalgar, Bargersville, Franklin, and Needham. We are grateful there were no serious injuries. The Indiana FFA Leadership Center remains open for normal operations and events.”
Indiana FFA Leadership Center