Lightning strikes 2 players, coach on high school soccer field

KALISPELL, Mont. (Gray News) – Three people were injured at a Montana high school after they were struck by lightning, according to school officials.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the principal of Glacier High School in Kalispell said the lightning struck the school’s soccer field around 6 p.m.

Principal Brad Holloway said the lightning hit two of the players as well as the coach.

Emergency crews responded to the incident along with the Kalispell Police Department and high school staff members.

The three victims were taken to the hospital where they are receiving care.

According to Holloway, one of the players and the coach are responsive and remain at the hospital for further treatment. The other player is receiving care in the ICU.

The families of all of the victims have been notified, and more updates on the victims’ statuses are expected to be made.

Holloway thanked all of the first responders for their service and asked for the victims to be involved in any thoughts and prayers.

According to the National Weather Service, about 20 people are killed by lightning a year, with hundreds more injured.

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