Fort Bragg soldiers struck by lightning during training

According to Lieutenant colonel Joe Buccino, the spokesman for the 82nd Airborne Division, the incident happened about 6:15 p.m. while the soldiers were conducting a training exercise.

Buccino says lightning struck a satellite communication terminal, a common piece of equipment used by Army communicators in the field. According to Buccino, the lightning strike energized a water trailer about 30 meters away. Two of the soldiers were touching the trailer and the other two were near it when the lightning struck.

All four were transported to Womack Army Medical Center on post. Three were released from the hospital on Monday, and the fourth was released Tuesday.

The injuries were not life-threatening but will require addition follow-up exams and possible treatment. All four soldiers are members of the 82nd Sustainment Brigade.

In August 2015, 60 soldiers were on an open firing range when lightning struck. The soldiers took cover, but despite their efforts to stay safe, 18 soldiers were struck by lightning. They were taken to the hospital and were treated for non-life threatening injuries.