By Heather Chapin
The Morning Journal, Lorain, Ohio
GRAFTON, Ohio — The 19 men who were injured during a lightning strike at Grafton Correctional Institution in August have all recovered and returned to incarceration.
Officials at the prison conducted an “after-action review” of the Aug. 11 incident finding staff didn’t violate any policies as they managed the scene following the strike.
“This lightning strike was an unforeseen natural event, and the review confirms no departmental policy violations were identified,” said Chief of Communications JoEllen Smith in a news release.
Smith also released bodycam footage worn by correction officers during the 5:20 p.m. incident.
Footage shows the male inmates were struck while outdoors, walking from one area of the facility to another.
Three of the men were knocked unconscious during the lightning strike leaving them lying on a paved walking path.
Prison staff and inmates jumped in to assist the injured men, provided life-saving measures for several minutes before each of the men began breathing again.
“Staff responded immediately and appropriately, initiating life-saving measures and coordinating with external emergency responders to ensure that every injured individual received timely medical attention,” said Smith.
“The swift, life-saving actions of staff, incarcerated individuals and responding agencies are recognized and commended,” she continued. “DRC staff and incarcerated individuals provided critical aid and stabilized the injured, with little regard for their own well-being. A response of this magnitude reflects the strong culture and respect between staff and IPs fostered at Grafton Correctional Institution .”
The inmates were walking back to their housing units after leaving the dining area when the lightning struck.
At 4:58 p.m., access to the outdoor area at the prison had been restricted due to severe weather conditions. Outdoor access resumed at 5:18 p.m., and the inmates who had been waiting in the dining area were directed to return to their housing units.
Once those with the most immediate life-threatening conditions were stabilized, the response transitioned into a broader medical triage operation.
Meanwhile, additional inmates began reporting or exhibiting a wide range of symptoms, from altered or lost consciousness to cuts and abrasions, bleeding, numbness or weakness, difficulty walking, neck and back pain, and visual or auditory disturbances.
Of the original group of 19 injured inmates, 16 were transported to outside medical facilities for further evaluation and treatment.
Of the 16 inmates transported, 12 were returned to the prison within 24 hours of the incident.
Three of the remaining four inmates returned within 72 hours, and the last and most seriously injured individual returned to the prison on Sept. 15.
The incident laid the groundwork for the institution to improve its response to severe weather readiness and coordination for multi-injury incidents that will be shared with other state agencies, according to the report of the findings and Smith.
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