Lightning strike sends 57 to hospital

KONGSVINGER, Norway, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- A lightning strike at a Norwegian rallycross event sent 57 people to the hospital, witnesses said.

Witness Even Wiger said the lightning strike hit a portion of the crowd watching the Norwegian Championship race at Finnskog Sunday, prompting a medical crisis as emergency workers attempted to help the injured, Aftenposten said Monday.

"At first it was just raining then suddenly lightning hit the middle of an area where public had gathered. Everyone tried to get to lower ground, a lot of them were screaming and crying," Wiger said of the incident.

"It was frightening when lightning struck without warning. The situation was dramatic, but people found shelter and ambulance personnel were on hand," he added.

No serious injuries were reported among those hospitalized and the final round of the rally was canceled.

Aftenposten said the thunderstorm behind the lightning strike also managed to knock out landlines and mobile phones in the area, causing communication difficulties.