An employee was struck by lightning on a farm near Marengo Tuesday morning as thunderstorms passed through the Chicagoland area, authorities said.
The Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts responded around 7:08 a.m. Tuesday to Nichols Farm and Orchard, 2602 Hawthorn Road in unincorporated Marengo, for a report of a person struck by lightning.
Paramedics arrived within seven minutes and located an injured adult male employee on the rear of the property.
Marengo Fire and Rescue Districts Communication Specialist Alex Vucha said the victim was complaining of injuries resulting from an apparent lightning strike.
A LifeNet medical helicopter was unable to fly due to weather conditions.
The man was evaluated and transported by ambulance to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford with minor to moderate injuries, Vucha said.
A thunderstorm producing lightning, thunder and rain passed through the area at the time of the incident.
Vucha said it is believed a bolt of lightning struck a nearby tree and communicated with the man through the ground.
“Lightning can be one of the most underrated weather hazards,” Vucha said.
People are urged to stay inside or seek shelter in a sturdy structure during a thunderstorm.
“Your actions during a thunderstorm determine your personal risk of being struck by lightning,” Vucha added.