Although the chance of being struck by lightning is 1 in 15,300, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Severe Storms Laboratory, lightning is a major cause of death in storm-related incidents in the US. 

Lightning strikes occur every day and leave people with disabilities and after-effects that contribute to chronic health problems. 

According to the National Weather Service, lightning can cause a heart attack in victims, but only 10% of the victims are killed. 

Statistics are not reassuring to a Florida woman who was struck and killed Thursday in an attack of lightning that also struck her child and her dog.

The Winter Springs Police Department received  911 calls on Thursday, August 18, in Florida’s Seminole County near Orlando. The calls involved people being struck by lightning near Trotwood Park in the middle of the afternoon. 

Police responded, along with the fire department, and assisted the victims with emergency medical care. The woman and her child were transported to a local hospital, where the woman died.

The mom was waiting with the child and dog for another one of her children coming out of school, when the lightning struck.

The Florida woman’s death brings the total of lightning-related deaths in the US to 14 so far this year, which is consistent with data from previous years. 

The family of the deceased woman was notified and spoke out to the press on Thursday.  They said the child and the dog had injuries but were expected to survive.

Police reported later that another young woman, 18, had also been struck by lightning at the same area, and left the scene feeling okay, but later was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where she was reportedly in stable condition. 

Police said in a statement, “It appears that lightning hit a nearby tree, energizing the area and striking the victims.”