Abstract
Lightning injuries are relatively uncommon, affecting 6472 people in the United States over 25 years (1959–1984) with 2574 reported fatalities. Relatively few population-based studies are available in the literature. This study examines death due to lightning in the State of North Carolina utilizing the Medical Examiner's Data Base. During 1978–1988, there were 46 deaths. Ages of the victims ranged from 0–60 (average 29.1) years; 37 (80.4%) victims were 44 years of age or younger. Eighty-three percent of the victims were out of doors when struck; 72% of strikes occurred during the months of June, July, and August. Of the indoor victims, three were in residences, two in outbuildings at a residence, one in a farm outbuilding and two in houses under construction. Forty-one percent of the victims were engaged in recreational activities. Twenty-six percent of deaths involved a tree strike. Seventy-six percent of the deaths occurred in rural areas. Young males were the most common victims. Although fatal injuries are uncommon, many may be preventable.