Three people were injured after being struck by lightning in a popular summer beach getaway town on Saturday night. 

As reported by WJXT, two individuals affected by the strike at St. Augustine Pier in Florida were taken to the hospital; one is in critical condition, while the other sustained minor injuries.

A third person refused to be taken to the hospital. 

The pier was closed down while fire crews attended to the injured, and it was inspected for damage. It is expected to reopen on Monday. 

St. John’s County Fire Rescue advised in a Facebook post, “Kindly steer clear of the pier during ongoing emergency procedures — and remember, if you hear thunder, seek shelter inside. Stay vigilant and heed weather warnings.”

St. Augustine Beach Mayor Dylan Rumrell echoed that sentiment, warning residents to seek shelter if they hear thunder. 

“There’s a big storm and lightning can hit at any time,” he reportedly said. 

The incident caused beach visitors, including swimmers and surfers, to panic, leading many to quickly retreat to their vehicles as soon as the lightning struck, according to the report.

“I got scared, everybody was scared,” said one witness. 

According to the National Weather Service, there have been six lightning strike fatalities in the United Sates in 2025, all in different states. North Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, Florida and Oklahoma have all seen fatal strikes. 

The 10-year average annual fatality rate from lightning strikes is 20 people per year. 

To reduce the risk of being struck by lightning, the National Weather Service instructs people to immediately move away from high ground, including hills, mountain ridges or peaks.

The organization says never to lie down to avoid lightning, never to hide under an isolated tree, never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter and to immediately move away from bodies of water and anything that conducts electricity.