At least 16 inmates were struck by lightning outside a correctional facility in Ohio, authorities said.
Just before 6pm local time, ambulances from Lorain, Medina and Cuyahoga counties were dispatched to the Grafton Correction Institution.
Lightning Strike During Evening Meal Return
A spokesperson for Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said: "Initial reports indicate a lightning strike occurred this evening while incarcerated individuals were returning from the evening meal."
"At this time, 16 individuals are being transported to an outside hospital for treatment, including one individual who was life-flighted. There have been no reported deaths at this time. We are continuing to assess and monitor the situation."
Injuries and Hospital Transport
Officials said the inmates were leaving one building and heading to another after a meal when they were struck.
All were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, although some of the patients were described as being critically hurt.
Severe Storms in Ohio
It came after Ohio was battered by powerful storms that flooded parts of the state with several feet of water, killing at least one person.
