Lightning Strike Kills Instructor, Injures 14 at New Jersey Archery Range

Tragic Lightning Strike at Archery Range

• ⚡ A lightning strike at the Black Knight Bow Benders archery club in Jackson Township, New Jersey, resulted in a tragic incident.
• 🎯 The event, a Boy Scout gathering, was caught off guard by the strike, with witnesses stating it wasn't raining at the time.
• 💔 One man, identified as 61-year-old instructor Robert Montgomery, died from his injuries.
• 🤕 14 other victims, ranging in age from 7 to 61, sustained injuries including burns, pain, and general unwellness.

Response and Recovery Efforts

• 🚨 Emergency services received a call around 7:15 PM, finding Montgomery deceased and the other victims requiring immediate medical attention.
• 🏥 The injured were transported to nearby hospitals and are reportedly on the road to recovery.
• 🤝 USA Archery, the national governing body, expressed condolences and support for those affected by the devastating event.

Witness Account and Broader Context

• 💬 A longtime club member described the scene, stating he performed chest compressions on the victim but found him unresponsive.
• ⚠️ Lightning strikes are a significant hazard, with an average of 20 deaths per year in the U.S.
• 📈 This year, 12 people have died from lightning strikes nationwide, with two of those deaths occurring in New Jersey this month.