7 Teens Hospitalized After Lightning Strikes Utah Youth Group Hiking Trip

SALINA, Utah (KUTV) — Seven teenagers hiking with a youth group in Utah were taken to hospital after lightning struck the ground near where they were hiking.

The group from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was hiking south of Fremont Junction Thursday when rain began to fall, the Sevier County Sheriff's Office said.

Authorities said rain caused puddles to form and lightning struck the ground, electrocuting around 50 young people, including seven with medical problems. The seven young people were transported by ambulance to their hometown of Salina.

Two of the seven people had more severe symptoms and were flown to Primary Children's Hospital in Lehi, authorities said.

“The remainder of the juveniles were all located and returned to Salina and were returned to their parents and no other medical issues have been reported at this time,” deputies reported.

The conditions of those taken to the hospital have not been released, but the Sevier County Sheriff's Office said none of the injuries are expected to be life-threatening.

“We thank all of our first responders who helped respond to this incident,” the statement concluded.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a warning over X that a severe thunderstorm watch had been issued for much of eastern UT.

“Threats associated with this watch include scattered hail up to the size of ping pong balls, wind gusts up to 70 mph, and frequent lightning! We also expect a flash flood threat. #utwx.”