Lightning injures 8 on Lake Superior beach

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Lightning injures 8 on Lake Superior beach

Updated: August 18, 2012 - 10:24 PM

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Eight people were injured by a lightning strike on a remote Lake Superior beach when a storm blew through the area Saturday evening.

Most of the injured were in the same family, including a 9-year-old boy who was in serious condition at a Duluth hospital. He was found face down in the water and airlifted by helicopter after those in his group started CPR, according to a Duluth Fire Department release.

The party included his parents, 5-year-old brother, grandmother, grandfather and friends of the family. At least three of the adults were seriously injured, according to the release.

The group sailed to a remote spot at the end of Minnesota Point, at the Wisconsin entry, on a 27-foot sailboat, according to Jarry Keppers, assistant fire chief.

The group was believed to be on shore but near the sailboat when the lightning hit. The area was so remote that initial emergency responders had to get there by boat, Keppers said.

BRAD SCHRADE