Police in Seaside Park are reporting a lightning strike that injured a lifeguard and six other individuals in Seaside Park this evening.
Authorities said at approximately 4:30 p.m., emergency responders rushed to the beach near 21st Avenue after receiving reports of several people injured.
Upon arrival, police and EMS requested a medivac service to fly at least one person to the hospital.
Sheriff Mastronadry confirms six people were injured when the lifeguard was struck on the beach between 21st and 23rd Streets in Berkeley Township around 4:30 p.m.
Sheriff Mike Mastronadry said the lifeguard could not hear after being hit; the other six were nearby.
“All were taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River,” Sheriff Mike Mastronadry said.
One of the injured suffered life-threatening injuries, according to Ocean County authorities.
Police cleared the beach for the investigation.