Seven teenagers from central Utah hospitalized after lightning strike

On June 27, at approximately 1:45 p.m., a youth group from the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints from the Salina area was hiking south of Fremont Junction near the Willow Springs overlook in eastern Sevier County when it began to rain. According to a press release from the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, “a light rainstorm in the area resulted in puddles of water on the ground. During the hike, lightning struck the ground near the youth.” Approximately 50 youth felt the lightning strike, and seven of them developed health problems due to the shock. They were transported by ambulances from Emery and Sevier counties to Salina, where the youth were evaluated for symptoms. Two of the youths exhibited severe symptoms and were flown by rescue helicopter to Primary Children’s Hospital in Lehi. The rest of the youth were taken to Gunnison Hospital and Sevier Valley Hospital. The press release also stated, “All remaining juveniles have now been accounted for and returned to Salina and released to their parents. There are currently no other medical issues. At this time, the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.” The press release concluded, “We thank all first responders who assisted with this incident: Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, Sevier County EMS, Salina Police, Sevier County SAR, Emery County Sheriff’s Office, Emery County EMS, Utah Highway Patrol, and Richfield DPS Communications Center.”