5 injured in possible N.Y. lightning strike
POUGHKEEPSIE,
N.Y. — Five people have been sent to hospitals with serious injuries after a short, powerful storm struck the City of Poughkeepsie Friday evening.
The injuries to the five are mostly likely the result of a lightning strike at Mansion Square Park, but the incident is under investigation, Mayor Rob Rolison said. All five were sitting or standing near a park bench on the northern side of the park.
Three of the people have life-threatening injuries and two have less-severe injuries, Rolison said. Responders performed CPR on the three unresponsive victims.
The three victims with life-threatening injuries were taken to Vassar Brothers Medical Center and the other two were taken to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital. The victims ranged in age from 46 to 55.
City of Poughkeepsie Police, City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department, Fairview Fire District, Arlington Fire District and Mobile Life Support Services responded to the scene, Rolison said.
Witnesses are asked to call the City of Poughkeepsie Police at 845-451-7577.
A thunderstorm came through the City of Poughkeepsie at 4 p.m., with the "core" of the storm passing the northern part of the city, according to Ingrid Amberger, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albany.
The chance of being struck by lightning is 1 in 960,000, according to the National Weather Service.
Follow Geoffrey Wilson on Twitter: @Geoff_LW