3 injured by lightning strike at South Florida beach

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Authorities say three men were injured – one critically – when they were hit by lightning at a South Florida beach.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reports that the trio was near the shoreline at Haulover Beach Wednesday afternoon. A spokesman says the lightning likely hit the ocean and then traveled through the water to the victims.

Officials say one person was airlifted to a Miami trauma center, and the other two were taken to nearby hospitals. Two of the victims were rendered unconscious, and one of the victims said he felt chest pain and collapsed.

The Miami Herald reports that the beach was closed for about 30 minutes but has since reopened.

Authorities weren’t immediately naming the victims, but the fire rescue spokesman says they appeared to be in their 40s or 50s.