LIGHTNING STRIKE INJURES 16 INMATES AT OHIO PRISON

A single lightning strike struck the Grafton Reintegration Centre in Lorain County, Ohio, on Tuesday evening, injuring 16 inmates as they returned from dinner. The strike occurred at approximately 5:23 p.m. during severe storms in the region. Emergency crews attended the scene to evaluate and transport those injured. One inmate sustained injuries severe enough to require helicopter transport to a regional medical centre. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections confirmed no deaths and no staff injuries occurred.

As of 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday, nine of the injured inmates had returned to the facility. Seven remained hospitalised: one in serious condition and six in stable, non-life-threatening condition, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. The Grafton facility houses 2,000 inmates classified at minimum and medium security levels. Additional details about whether inmates were inside or outside during the strike were not disclosed by officials.

The incident prompted online discussion about emergency protocols. Commenters noted the importance of contacting family members and ensuring shelter-in-place procedures were followed during severe weather events. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections provided updates on the situation via social media following the incident.