‘Everybody was scared:’ Multiple people struck by lightning at Florida pier

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – At least three people were struck by lightning at the St. Augustine Pier on Saturday, according to News 6 partner WJXT.

Beachgoers described the moment lightning struck the St. Augustine Pier and injured three people on Saturday.

Jamar was at the beach and saw the lightning strike.

“All of a sudden in the corner of my eye, I see a big flash, two seconds later I hear this boom and now my ears are ringing,” Jamar said. “I’m confused on what just happened. I’m over here scared, shocked, I don’t even know.”

Those on the beach and in the water said the strike sent people running for their cars.

“I got scared, everybody was scared,” Jade said.

Several surfers who were in the water when they saw the strike said they hope everyone is OK and it shows just how fast things can change.

“It really brings me to Earth too, perspective. We are just out here feeling nature when nature strikes. We’re trying to take advantage of the life we live and then its BOOM,” Tristin Whetstine said.

St. Johns County Fire Rescue and St. Augustine Fire Department said they treated and evacuated three patients.

Officials said one patient was transported in critical condition to a local trauma center and one patient was transported with minor injuries to a local hospital.

A third patient refused transport, officials said.

The pier was closed for the rest of the day and no structural damage was reported. Crews covered the splintered wood with a plastic bag.