1 Dead, 14 Injured in New Jersey Lightning Strike at Archery Range

Tragic Lightning Strike at Archery Range

• ⚡ A lightning strike at the Black Knight Bowbenders Outdoor Archery Range in Jackson Township, New Jersey, resulted in one fatality and 14 injuries.
• 🎯 The incident occurred Wednesday night, with witnesses reporting the lightning strike felt like it came out of nowhere, without prior thunder or rain.

Victims and Response

• 💔 Officials identified the deceased as 61-year-old Robert Montgomery, a club member volunteering at an event.
• 🧒 The injured victims ranged in age from 7 to 61 years old, including many children and scouts participating in a competition.
• 🚑 Emergency services responded around 7:15 PM, with victims suffering injuries including burns and unconsciousness.

Eyewitness Account and Aftermath

• 💥 An instructor on-site described the event as pandemonium, with people thrown to the ground and screaming.
• 🩹 He attempted CPR on Montgomery but was unable to save him.
• 😔 The archery club expressed heartbreak over the loss of Montgomery, describing him as a wonderful man volunteering his time.

Previous Incidents and Official Response

• ⚠️ This marks at least the third incident of a person being struck by lightning in the tri-state area in the past month.
• 🗣️ Governor Murphy has been briefed on the strike and asked for prayers for those involved in the tragic incident.