Lightning Strike At Archery Range Leaves One Dead, Over A Dozen Injured

A tragic lightning strike at the Black Knight Bow Benders archery range in Jackson Township, New Jersey, left one man dead and 14 others injured on Wednesday evening (July 16). According to police, the lightning struck just after 7 p.m., affecting multiple individuals at the outdoor range on Perrineville Road.

The victim, identified as 61-year-old Robert Montgomery, died from his injuries after CPR was administered at the scene. The injured, including children as young as seven, were part of an event with the Jackson Cub Scout Pack 204. They suffered various injuries, ranging from burns to feelings of illness. One person lost consciousness but regained it shortly after.

The incident occurred during an isolated storm cell that brought heavy rain and lightning to the area, with a severe thunderstorm warning in effect. However, witnesses reported no rain or thunder immediately before the strike. Experts note that lightning can strike from more than 10 miles away from a storm.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed his condolences and asked residents to pray for those affected. This incident marks the twelfth confirmed lightning-related death in the United States this year.