FORT DIX, N.J. (AP) — Early-morning lightning struck tents holding National Guardsmen participating in weekend training Sunday, killing one and injuring five others — two critically.
The lightning struck in a remote, wooded area of Fort Dix where three small sleeping tents were grouped together, post spokesman David Moore said. The men were either sleeping or just getting up.
Spc. Kenyon Hodges, 22, of Trenton was pronounced dead at a local hospital. In addition to the five others hurt by lightning, a sixth soldier was cut as he tried to help one of the victims.
The men, members of New Jersey’s National Guard, were among 7,300 Army Reserve and National Guard troops involved in weekend training at the post.
Three of the injured were taken to the Saint Barnabas Health Care System’s burn center. Dr. Hani Mansour, medical director of the center, said their injuries indicate the lightning traveled through the ground rather than coming directly down on them.
“They are extremely lucky. They are alive, and most probably