Lightning Deaths A Reminder Of Danger

(CBS)  Lightning is a meteorological danger that, all too often, doesn't get enough respect.

According to the National Weather Service, there are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes in the United States each year, with two-thirds coming in June, July and August a. Over the past 30 years, lightning killed an average of 67 people annually in the U.S., based on documented cases. That's more than the average of 65 deaths per year caused by tornadoes and 16 from hurricanes.

But, says the weather service, "Because lightning usually claims only one or two victims at a time, and because lightning does not cause the mass destruction left in the wake of tornadoes or hurricanes, lightning generally receives much less attention than the more destructive weather-related killers. While documented lightning injuries in the United States average about 300 per year, undocumented injuries caused by lightning are likely much higher."

On The Early Show Tuesday, co-anchor Rene Syler explored the obvious, but sometimes ignored, danger.

Syler reported that, in Montvale, N.J. Saturday evening, 18-year-old Steven Fagan and 19-year-old Lee Weisbrod were killed by lighting. Police say they had been playing soccer in a park field with two others when they ran for shelter, but were struck down. The other two were hospitalized. The scorch marks from the lightning can still be seen in the grass.

Syler also spoke with lightning strike survivors Jennifer Rogan and her 12-year-old son, David.

On July 16, 2005, during a family reunion in Sugarcreek, Penn., lightning struck a tree and injured nearly 30 people. David was the most severely injured; he was knocked unconscious and stopped breathing before being revived by family members. After several weeks in the hospital, David still goes to speech, as well as occupational and physical therapy.

Jennifer and David recalled the incident and spoke of David's continuing efforts to recover.

Meteorologist John Jensinius, a National Weather Service lightning safety expert, also chatted with Syler.

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