Lightning strike sends six guests at NC alpine coaster to hospital, officials say
Lightning near a new roller coaster in the mountains of North Carolina injured several guests Tuesday afternoon, according to ride operators and local officials.
Several people were injured while sitting under a tree that was struck by lightning at the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk, according to a post on the ride’s Facebook page.
The coaster was not running at the time.
“We closely monitor weather and shut operations down till storms pass through,” the post states. “Please continue to monitor the page on updates on when we will open back up and keep those injured in your thoughts and prayers.”
The Avery County Sheriff’s Office told WBTV that at least six people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Lightning struck the tree “and traveled to the pavement, causing the surface to buckle,” according to the TV station. The injured people were reportedly sitting on rocks under the tree.
Data issued by the National Weather Service show lightning struck near the alpine coaster property at 2:53 p.m., WCNC reported.
Avery County — where the coaster is located — was under a severe thunderstorm warning from 3:44 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to WSOC.
WCNC Meteorologist Brad Panovic said “any thunderstorm can produce lightning, lightning is not a criteria for a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.”
The Wilderness Run Alpine coaster has been operating for 11 weeks after the coronavirus pandemic delayed its initial opening date in February, according to the ride’s Facebook page.
The coaster consists of a 2,100-foot track and is based on popular tourist attractions at resorts in Switzerland and Austria, McClatchy News previously reported.
