Lightning — Westmoreland, Pennsylvania

2001-06-20 · near Ligonier, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania

Event narrative

Two adult Boy Scout leaders and one 15-year old Boy Scout were struck by lightning at Twin Echo Park off Route 271. One of the leaders died the next day from his injuries. The other two people were treated and released from the hospital. A group of around 10 people were standing outside under a large pine tree when lightning reportedly struck the tree, then branched off and hit the 3 people. At the time of the lightning strike, the skies were "dark in the distance, but it was not raining and no one heard thunder".

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5251522. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.