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Copper Hills Elem. aide hospitalized after lightning strike

Posted at 1:06 PM, May 28, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-28 15:20:24-04

MAGNA – A Copper Hills Elementary School playground aide was taken to a hospital Tuesday after lightning struck near her location during recess.

Capt. Clint Mecham from the Unified Fire Department said the 41-year-old woman called 911 and reported her body was tingling following the lightning strike.

A posting on the Granite School District’s Facebook page said the woman was injured by the proximity strike and her injuries are non-life threatening.

All students had been taken into the building and no other individuals were injured, the posting said.

Read the full statement from Granite School District:

PATRON ALERT FOR COPPER HILLS ELEMENTARY:

During lunch recess this afternoon (approximately 12:15 p.m., the rain started falling as a storm quickly moved into the area. The teachers and playground aides began moving students into the building to finish recess indoors. However, an aide was still on the playground when lightning struck in the area. The aide was injured by the proximity strike and was taken to the hospital. She is alert and speaking at this time and her injuries are not life-threatening. All students had been taken into the building and no other individuals were injured.

This was a very quick moving storm and the lightning struck without warning. We have very specific protocols when dealing with the threat of lightning to ensure student safety. Those procedures were being followed at the time the lightning struck. Your child, and staff safety is our primary concern. We are saddened that a member of the staff was injured due to the proximity of the lightning strike and our hearts and thoughts are with her at this time.

Once again, her injuries do NOT appear to be life-threatening. Please contact the school directly with any questions at 385-646-4792.