Lightning strikes Indianapolis Jewish summer camp

Child in critical condition after tragedy at reform Jewish camp; no rain or storm reported at time of strike.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, JTA
Lightning strikes [file] 150 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Lightning strikes [file] 150
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Lighting struck at a Jewish summer camp in the Indianapolis area on Saturday, injuring three children, one of whom was in critical condition, NBC News reported.
The tragedy occurred at the Goldman Union Camp Institute, a reform Jewish camp near Zionsville, Indiana, NBC quoted the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department as saying.
Paramedics arrived at the scene to find camp counselors already granting treatment to the injured children, according to the report.
The vicims names were not released, but they were described as a 9-year-old boy from Kentucky, a 9-year-old girl from Missouri and a 12-year-old boy from Ohio. The injured children were transferred to area hospitals for treatment.
It was not raining, nor was there a storm in the area at the time of the lighting strike, Indianapolis Police spokesman Kendale Adams told reporters.
More than 100 children in grades 3 through 12 currently are in residence at the camp.
Following the accident, Rabbi Mark Covitz, director of the camp, sent out a message, also posted on Facebook, which read: “This Shabbat afternoon, lightning struck URJ Goldman Union Camp. Three campers were injured. Camp personnel and emergency professionals responded quickly. The children were taken to local hospitals and we have spoken with each child’s parents.
“We are resuming our normal camp schedule, which will include dinner and evening program.
“Please know, the safety of your children is our highest priority.”