Child 7, injured and at least one dead after lightning bolt hits New Jersey archery range

One man has sadly died and dozens have been injured following a lightning strike at an archrey range on Wednesday night.

The terrifying incident happned shortly after 7pm local time at the Black Night Bow Benders outdoor archery range in Jackson Township, in New Jersey, WNBC reports. Emergency services from several nearby stations rushed to the scene.

An unidentified 61-year-old man, the eldest of the victims, tragically died as a result of his injuries, while 13 others suffered from injuries ranging from burns to complaints of feeling ill.

One person also temporarily lost consciousness, and emergency workers used a defibrillator on two people involved. At the time around 20 people were on the practice range, Gene Grodski, a member of the archery club told the New York Times.

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The victims, the youngest being just seven years old, were rushed to a local hospital, with Grodski saying the children appeared to be ok and were transported in ambulances 'just in case.'

The fatality marks the 12th lightning-related death this year, according to preliminary information from the National Lightning Safety Council. About half of the fatalities have involved fishing, which continues to rank as one of the most dangerous activities when thunderstorms are nearby.

Gov. Phil Murphy has said he was briefed on the situation. Writing on X he said: "Please pray for everyone involved in this tragic incident."

A spokesperson for Jackson Township police told The Mirror: "At 7.13pm hours Jackson Pd was notified of multiple persons struck by lightning at an outdoor archery range, with CPR being performed on one individual. Responders confirmed that a male was being administered CPR, while multiple other victims were being triaged, including a party that had been unconscious but regained consciousness.

"A 61 year old male did succumb to his injuries, while thirteen others suffered injuries ranging from burns to non-specific complaints of not feeling well. EMS from Jackson Twp., Toms River Twp., Howell Twp., Plumsted Twp., Freehold Twp., Milestone Twp. and Hatzolah of Central Jersey responded, in addition to Paramedics from RW Barnabus Health System, and Atlantic Health Systems.

"Also responding were Cassville Volunteer Fire Co., and Fire District #2. Victims range in age from 7 to 61 years of age. The victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment."