Four Adults Taken to Hospitals Following Lightning Strike at El Mirage School

Emergency crews responded to El Mirage Elementary School early on October 30, after a lightning strike was reported at the school’s bus drop-off area. Police and firefighters found four adults affected by the strike and took them to hospitals for treatment. All four were conscious when transported. No children were reported injured.

El Mirage Fire Captain Joseph Rivera said the lightning struck nearby rather than hitting the adults directly. One woman had been holding an umbrella and later felt pain in both arms, Rivera said. Another account from fire officials said she felt electricity through the umbrella. One report described the injuries as minor; the extent of the injuries was otherwise not specified.

The incident occurred as the first round of storms moved through the Phoenix area. Fast-moving storms began crossing the West Valley around 8 a.m., with hail and heavy rain reported in Peoria, Sun City and Buckeye.

A librarian working across the street recalled thunder and lightning arriving almost simultaneously, followed by car alarms and heavy rain. Fire officials warned that more severe weather was expected and urged people to remain indoors during storms.