Woman struck by lightning at Savin Hill Beach in Dorchester

On Saturday, September 9, 2023, around 3:30 p.m., a lightning strike incident was reported at Savin Hill Beach in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

The report indicated that the person struck by lightning was not responsive. Multiple response agencies, including the Boston Fire Department, Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and Boston Emergency Medical Services, were dispatched to the scene.

The injured woman was later transported to Boston Medical Center, according to a state police spokesperson, although her condition remained uncertain at that time. A representative from Boston EMS reported that the woman was in serious condition.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the woman had been walking her dog on the beach when the lightning struck. Several other beachgoers witnessed the incident unfold.

According to the Boston Herald, Tracy Cronin, an ICU nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital, and her boyfriend, also an ER nurse, hurried to the beach and performed CPR on the woman for approximately 15 to 20 minutes prior to the arrival of the first responders.

At 3:12 p.m., the official Twitter account for the National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for the Boston area in effect until 4:00 p.m. and later another one in effect until 5:15 p.m. The statement warned of potential hazards, including wind speeds of up to 40 mph and the possibility of pea-sized hail. Safety advice recommended seeking shelter in a sturdy structure.

Lost dog

Bruce, the dog accompanying the woman struck by lightning, became frightened, fled the scene, and was reported missing. However, the Facebook group ‘Missing Dogs of Massachusetts’ later confirmed that Bruce was located on the morning of Sunday, September 10, 2023.