GRAFTON, Ohio — Sixteen inmates at Grafton Correctional Institution were hospitalized after being struck by lightning while returning from their evening meal, officials said.
The strike occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 11. Emergency dispatchers declared the incident a mass-casualty event, according to News 5 Cleveland. Ambulances from departments in Lorain, Cuyahoga and Medina counties responded to the prison, with a steady stream of emergency vehicles seen leaving the facility throughout the evening.
All 16 inmates were taken to outside hospitals. One was flown by medical helicopter for treatment, WOIO reported.
Seven inmates remained hospitalized the morning of Aug. 12, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction spokesperson JoEllen Smith told WOIO. One was in serious condition, while six were stable with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Nine other inmates were treated, released and returned to the prison. No staff members were injured, and no deaths were reported.
“The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction would like to extend gratitude to all the staff from Grafton Correctional Institution, other responding facilities, and all first responders who provided critical assistance during the incident last evening,” Smith said in a statement.
