In the northern coastal town of Isabela, Puerto Rico, a tragic incident unfolded when lightning struck near the Parador del Mar Hau beach, injuring three children aged 7, 10, and 12. The event occurred around 2:30 PM during a storm, as reported by local police and emergency services.
The children, part of a family from Toa Baja visiting from the United States, were playing on the beach when the lightning struck. According to Carlos Cruz, the interim director of the Isabela Municipal Emergency Management Agency, one of the parents was near a portable refrigerator when the lightning hit, hearing the strike and a child’s scream simultaneously.
Immediate assistance was provided by bystanders who pulled the children from shock and administered CPR. Videos circulating on social media platform X captured the frantic efforts to save the children. Mishka García, a witness, described the scene to El Nuevo Día, mentioning the sudden explosion-like sound of the lightning and the chaos that ensued as people rushed to help.
The injured were quickly transported to Buen Samaritano Hospital in Aguadilla. The eldest child, now in intensive care, suffers from severe limb issues and is currently unable to walk. The other two children are also receiving treatment, though their conditions are less critical.
Local authorities, including Agent Alexis Galarza and Sergeant José Ruiz Ruiz, are investigating the incident. Mayor Miguel “Ricky” Méndez of Isabela confirmed the family’s background and expressed condolences, highlighting the sudden turn of events during what was meant to be a vacation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of beach safety during storms.
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