16 inmates rushed to hospital after being hit by lighting in Ohio prison

16 inmates rushed to hospital after being hit by lighting in Ohio prison Nine of the affected inmates have since returned to the facility - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Sixteen inmates were hospitalized — including one flown by helicopter — after a single lightning strike tore through an Ohio prison complex on Tuesday evening as they were returning from dinner. The incident occurred at approximately 5:23 p.m. at the Grafton Reintegration Center in Lorain County as severe storms swept through the region. Emergency crews rushed to the scene to evaluate and transport the injured. At least one inmate sustained injuries severe enough to require emergency transport via a LifeFlight helicopter to a regional medical center, according to an update posted to Facebook by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. As of 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, nine of the inmates had returned to the facility, according to officials. “Seven individuals remain hospitalized: one in serious condition and six in stable, non-life-threatening condition,” the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections said in an online post. “There have been no reported deaths, and no staff injuries were reported.” Additional details about the strike, including whether the inmates were inside or outside, were not disclosed. The Grafton prison houses 2,000 inmates at minimum and medium security levels. Nearly 300 online reactions included a mix of prayers, jokes and some similar stories. “Hopefully they contact their emergency contact and at least let them know,” commenter Erin Sherwood wrote. “They still have family that care about them and some may be worried sick if they haven't gotten their nightly call.” Another commenter emphasized the importance of shelter-in-place protocols during moments like these. “This is why sheltering in place protocols should be followed,” Kwanicha Cross wrote. “Doesn’t matter if it’s almost time for count, an out count is safer than lifting it temporarily to get everyone back to their cottages.” The Medina post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was dispatched to the facility and has taken the lead in investigating the circumstances surrounding the strike. “The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction would like to extend gratitude to all the staff from Grafton Correctional Institution, other responding facilities, and all first responders who provided critical assistance during the incident last evening,” the department posted on Facebook. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments