Lightning struck a group of people deprived of their liberty as they returned from their nightly meal at a prison in Ohio, causing 16 inmates to be taken to hospitals, authorities reported.

The incident occurred at the Grafton Reintegration Center, located approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Cleveland. Those affected were moving from one building to another when they were struck by lightning.

Authorities initially received a report of five people affected, but the number of injured later increased to 16.

All were transferred to medical centers in the area. One of the people had to be transported by helicopter, according to center officials.

No deaths were reported as a result of the impact.

Some of the injured were considered critical

Kim Mason, director of operations for LifeCare Ambulance, explained that the first emergency call received by medical transport services indicated that five people had been struck by lightning.

As emergency crews arrived at the prison, the number of patients increased.

Mason noted that several victims were taken to hospitals and that some were in critical condition initially, although authorities indicated that the reported injuries did not represent a life threat.

Ambulances from Lorain, Medina and Cuyahoga counties were dispatched to the scene shortly before 6:00 p.m.

University Hospitals Elyria and Westlake were also alerted to receive patients from the prison.

Authorities continued to evaluate the situation and monitor the status of those affected. Until now, no new details had been provided about his medical evolution.

The incident occurred amid severe storms in Ohio

The Ohio prison lightning strike occurred as the state faced severe weather conditions, including severe storms and flooding.

The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch for the Grafton area, effective Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning.

The rains caused significant flooding in different communities in the state. At least one person died after suffering a medical emergency in Roseville, where floodwaters initially prevented emergency crews from reaching them.

The community, of approximately 1,500 inhabitants, was practically surrounded by water and had only one passable road to leave the area.

Given the severity of the flooding, the National Guard planned to deploy a unit specialized in deep water rescues to Roseville and Crooksville, communities located approximately 50 miles east of Columbus.

Authorities maintain monitoring of the situation

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine had declared a state of emergency for Perry and Muskingum counties due to flooding and severe weather conditions.

In the case of the penitentiary center, the authorities indicated that they continued to evaluate the consequences of the lightning that hit the inmates and monitor the situation of the people transferred to hospitals.

The Grafton Reintegration Center houses more than 2,000 people deprived of their liberty under minimum and medium security regimes and has been operating since 1988.

For thunderstorms, the National Weather Service recommends seeking shelter immediately after hearing thunder and staying indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.

It also advises avoiding isolated trees and staying away from bodies of water and objects that can conduct electricity when a person is outdoors.

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