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6 Nara Students Hospitalized After Lightning Hits Schoolyard During Afternoon Storm
Incident Summary
On the evening of April 10, a serious lightning strike incident occurred during soccer practice at Tezukayama Junior and Senior High School in Nara. At approximately 5:50 p.m., authorities were alerted when three boys collapsed and lost consciousness due to the strike.
Five boys aged 14 and one 16-year-old girl were subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment. The aftermath of the strike left one boy in cardiac arrest and two others in comas. The girl and two boys suffered from numbness in their limbs but were later released by the end of the evening.
In total, there were 114 students and eight teachers present at the school during this incident, including the soccer club advisor.
Weather Conditions
Prior to the lightning incident, Nara City was experiencing rapidly changing weather. Around 5:40 p.m., light rain began to fall, which intensified shortly before the lightning struck.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) had issued a thunderstorm warning for the region that morning, forecasting unstable atmospheric conditions caused by a clash between cold air from the north and warm, moist air from the Pacific. The JMA advised caution against severe weather elements, including lightning, tornadoes, and strong winds.
A representative warned that a sudden increase in wind could signal impending thunderstorms, urging outdoor activities to be ceased at the first sign of thunder or distant lighting.
Emergency Response
The rapid response and first aid administered played a critical role in managing the aftermath of the incident. School personnel employed an automated external defibrillator (AED) and performed CPR while awaiting ambulance arrival. The situation highlighted the importance of preparedness and prompt action in emergencies.
The current conditions of the students highlighted the seriousness of lightning strikes. The boy who had cardiac arrest has remained unconscious and in critical condition, while another classmate in a coma is also reported to be critically ill. Fortunately, one additional student who had been in a coma regained consciousness, and the other three boys who exhibited numbness were discharged the same day.
Safety Measures
In response to this incident, immediate safety measures were emphasized for schools across the prefecture.
The Nara prefectural government, alongside the education board, issued guidance urging educators and coaches to be vigilant about lightning threats.
Teachers are now encouraged to cancel activities without hesitation when faced with sudden weather changes.
This response builds on previous advisories following other incidents.
For instance, a similar occurrence last April in Miyazaki Prefecture resulted in 18 individuals being treated for lightning injuries during a soccer practice.
These past events underscore the ongoing need for increased awareness and preventative actions during outdoor activities, particularly in volatile weather conditions.
The health and safety of students remain a top priority for educational institutions.
This incident stresses the necessity for robust safety protocols and adherence to weather advisories to safeguard against such unpredictable and dangerous occurrences in the future.
By reinforcing these safety practices, I hope that schools can prevent similar incidents and ensure students can engage in outdoor activities without compromising their safety.
The events of April 10 serve as a critical reminder of the potential dangers posed by thunderstorms and the importance of preparedness in managing such emergencies effectively.
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