Woman killed, 2 people hurt after lightning strike at Parkland farm

Lightning strike reported at C.W. Hendrix Farms

PARKLAND, Fla. – A woman died and two other people were injured Wednesday afternoon after they were struck by lightning at C.W. Hendrix Farms in Parkland, authorities said.

The lightning strike was reported shortly after 2 p.m. at the farm at 12210 Loxahatchee Road.

Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department officials said a man was taken to Broward Health North. His injuries were described as serious. A woman later admitted herself to JFK Medical Center in Atlantis with non-life-threatening injuries.

The victims were farm workers. 

"We have said time and time again that this weather can be deadly," Division Chief Mike Moser said.

Maria Pascual, 53, of Lake Worth, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said the her body was taken to Coral Springs Medical Center because they did not want to leave it at the property during the investigation because of the dangerous weather conditions. 

"It's not worth going outside in weather like this," Moser said.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.