A lightning strike in Florida claimed two lives of a mother and her two-year-old daughter during a violent thunderstorm in Margate, Florida, in a rare tragedy.
Kenya Glasgow, 31, and her daughter Kennedi were found with severe burn injuries shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
As per witnesses, smoke was seen rising from their bodies after the lightning strike. Kenya reportedly suffered two holes in her chest.
Following the dangerous incident, emergency teams immediately rushed both the victims to separate hospitals; however, despite attempts to save them, doctors failed to save them, as per police.
The tragedy has left Kenya’s husband, Kam Glasgow, and their surviving daughter, Kensli, devastated. Kensli was Kennedi’s identical twin.
Kam described his wife as his best friend and said the loss of both his wife and daughter was difficult to comprehend.
Despite his grief, he urged others to appreciate the people around them and “always remember it doesn’t take much to be kind.”
The incident has also garnered widespread attention to the risks linked to lightning during Florida’s rainy season that typically runs from June through September.
What happens when lightning strikes the ground?
When lightning strikes the ground, an intense surge of electrical current discharges across the earth’s surface, creating extreme heat, dangerous ground currents, and permanent magnetic imprints.
However, fatal lightning strikes remain relatively uncommon. As per weather safety data, up to 90% of people struck by lightning survive, although survivors can suffer serious injuries, including cardiac and neurological complications.
Authorities have already launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Kenya and Kennedi.
Margate police have expressed their condolences to the family and loved ones following the devastating incident.
