Off-duty Miami-Dade deputy hospitalized after car struck by lightning near Fire Rescue HQ in Doral, officials say

An off-duty Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office deputy was hospitalized after his car was struck by lightning near the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue training center headquarters in Doral, officials say.

MDFR confirmed that they received the call and that it occurred in the area near Northwest 41st Street and 93rd Court.

According to MDSO, deputies responded at around 5:14 p.m. to the area after reports of a medical emergency involving the off-duty deputy. 

Investigators said the deputy was seated in his vehicle during an off-duty assignment when the vehicle was struck by lightning.

The deputy was transported to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital by ground. MDSO said that he is listed in stable condition. 

The strike is part of a string of recent lightning incidents across South Florida.

In Margate, a mother and one of her twin daughters were killed by lightning as they ran for cover from a storm.

In the Florida Keys, the owner of Bud N' Mary's Marina was also struck by lightning but survived.

In Southwest Miami-Dade, lightning struck a home while two siblings were inside, snapping a tree outside the house.

The CDC reports that more than 30 people were killed by lightning in Florida over the last 20 years.

Dr. Ryan Queen, an emergency physician with Broward Health, says people can survive lightning strikes — and if someone is struck and it's safe to approach, check for a pulse and begin CPR if necessary.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says being inside a vehicle generally offers protection from lightning.

But experts say the safest place to be during a thunderstorm is indoors.