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5-year-old on vacation in N.C. dies after being struck by lightning

CAROVA, N.C. -- Authorities say a 5-year-old boy on vacation with his family died after being struck by lightning on a North Carolina beach.

According to WTVD-TV, authorities say the family was on the beach Sunday in Carova at about 4 p.m. when the child was struck.

According to Chief Ralph Melton with Currituck Fire and EMS, the boy and his family were preparing to go back into their vehicle after spending time at the beach, CBS affiliate WNCN reported. As the boy and his father were getting into the car, the boy was struck by lightning, according to Melton.

Melton said the child suffered burns from a lightning strike and went into cardiac arrest.

The family put the boy in their SUV and met EMS partway. He was then taken to a hospital where he died.

Authorities did not identify the family.

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