Canada lightning strike injures 17

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WHITBY, Ontario, July 16 (UPI) -- At least 17 people were treated at hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries after a lightning strike at a food festival in Ontario, Canada, officials said.

Lightning struck a tent at the Whitby Ribfest, about 37 miles east of Toronto, about 1:45 p.m. Sunday, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Bill Sandiford, who was among the injured, told CBC News numerous people at the event squeezed under the same tent moments just before the lightning strike.

When the lightning struck, Sandiford said, he felt intense pain but it didn't last.

"It was so painful, yet the pain was gone so fast. The pain didn't linger," he said. "I mean, it was just the most intense painful thing I've ever felt in my entire life, or that I could ever imagine feeling, and then 5 seconds later, it was just gone."

Colin O'Regan, the chair of the event, said those who were injured were taken to two hospitals.