lightning042208

Three struck by lightning at airport

The three construction workers were hurt at 10:20 p.m. when lightning struck the vehicle they were in on a taxiway near the Lindbergh terminal at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Last update: April 22, 2008 - 9:03 AM

Three construction workers struck by lightning late Monday at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport suffered non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.

The three construction workers, whose names were not immediately available, were hurt at 10:20 p.m. when lightning struck the vehicle they were in on a taxiway near the E concourse north of the Lindbergh terminal, said Patrick Hogan, director of public affairs for the airport. One of the workers was directly struck.

All three were alert when rescue workers arrived, Hogan said. Two refused medical treatment, but the third was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center with minor injuries.

Contrary to belief, rubber tires and rubber shoe soles do not provide protection from lightning, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

The strike was at least the second during Monday night's thunderstorm, which came at the beginning of National Severe Weather Awareness Week. A Maple Grove house caught fire when lightning struck a gas main shortly before 10 p.m. No one was hurt in the fire.

ABBY SIMONS