Overview
- Two people walking on the West Orange Trail were reportedly struck by lightning and rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center after a 911 caller said one person was not breathing; authorities have not released the victims’ identities or current conditions.
- A Miami‑Dade deputy was struck while seated inside a parked cruiser near the Doral fire‑rescue training center, was taken to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital and was released about a day later, with the department withholding the deputy’s name.
- Miami‑Dade Fire Rescue urged that there is no safe place outdoors when lightning is nearby and advised people to shelter in a building or a fully enclosed hard‑top vehicle rather than seek cover under trees or near water.
- National Weather Service meteorologists noted South Florida averages roughly two lightning deaths and eight injuries per year and emphasized that Florida receives far more strikes than other states, increasing local risk during storm season.
- Emergency crews have used CPR and rapid transport at recent scenes, public officials continue to press safety reminders such as waiting 30 minutes after the last thunder before going outside, and reporting gaps remain about victims’ conditions as the situation develops.