Lightning strike hits military academy injuring 19 cadets while training

The Colombian army has said that 19 cadets were injured after they were hit by a “dry bolt of lightning” while they were training at a military school in Tolemaida

A lightning strike has left 19 cadets injured after they were hit by a “dry bolt” at a military school in Colombia.

The soldiers were taking part in training exercises at the Colombian army’s military base in the city of Tolemaida, south east of the capital Bogota, when the lightning struck the facilities on Thursday.

There are 16 men and three women who are being treated for their injuries, said authorities, without stating how serious are their conditions.

“On Thursday afternoon the cadet battalions No2 and No3, which were taking part in campaign tactical exercise practices in the grounds of the sector known as Mesa Baja, in Tolemaida military base, were impacted by natural electrical discharge,” said the Colombian army in a statement.

It added that the bolt of lightning took place by surprise without any rain falling in what is known as a dry thunderstorm.

“The incident happened just after 4pm when a dry lightning strike hit the location where the cadets were positioned, and to clarify there was no rain falling at that moment,” the statement continued.

“The natural phenomenon caused 19 injuries […] who were given immediate support by military medics and then they were taken to medical centre where they are being taken care of.”

The army has said that it would “provide support for the cadets and their families in their needs.”

A dry thunderstorm is where there is thunder and lightning but the precipitation evaporates before reaching the ground and so there is no rainfall. They usually take place in dry conditions.