Shortly after the conclusion of Sunday’s rain-shortened NASCAR race at Pocono Raceway, three fans were reportedly struck by lightning in the parking lot while retreating to their cars. Their condition is unknown, according to reports from the track.
NASCAR At Pocono: Injuries Reported After Lightning Strikes Parking Lot Following Race
The area had been under a severe thunderstorm warning and officials had plenty of notice that a storm was approaching, but cars remained on the track until the weather was directly over the venue.
UPDATE (6:15 EDT): A Pocono Raceway spokesperson told reporters that three people were struck by lightning. Two were transported to a local hospital and a third was treated and released at the scene.
While details are scarce, here are some tweets from the immediate aftermath of the lightning strike:
— keewee10 (@keewee10) August 5, 2012
@nascar_wxman lightning strike in parking lot, just behind north end of stands.Super scary!
— Kyle Manger (@KyleManger24) August 5, 2012
@bobpockrass two fans just got struck by lightning in the parking lot, ones fate isn't looking good they other might be ok
EMS
— Steve X. Nicks (@StvX) August 5, 2012@poconoraceway says there was a lightning strike in the parking lot. On a flag or a tree or a vehicle or something not a person.#nascar
Two people struck by lightning in parking lot and trees down. The crafty "wear a poncho and wait under the grandstands" racefans luck out!
— Rob McLinden (@wubsta) August 5, 2012
— Peter Bowhall (@pjb4466) August 5, 2012
@jeff_gluck saw one dazed but conscious fan on stretcher in parking lot by turn 2.#nascar
Confirmation of lightning strike in parking lot behind
— Tom Bowles (@NASCARBowles) August 5, 2012@poconoraceway grandstand. Reports have 2 people hit, condition inconclusive.#NASCAR
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