Wild Lightning Strikes 33 Finnish Soldiers
Pastor Dale Morgan
Wild Lightning Strikes 33 Finnish Soldiers*
The Associated Press
Friday, June 15, 2007; 6:22 AM
HELSINKI, Finland -- Thirty-three Finnish soldiers were injured by wild
lightning during a night exercise in western Finland, military officials
said Friday.
"A sudden thunderstorm came over the area and lightning struck in many
places," said Lt. Col. Jukka Orava.
Three soldiers who were seriously injured were being treated at a
hospital, Orava said. He did not describe their injuries but said their
condition was stable. Eight others were to be released later Friday.
Twenty-two soldiers were only slightly injured with suspected hearing
damage, Orava said. They were examined by military medical staff at a
field hospital.
"No one's life was in danger," Orava said.
Hundreds of soldiers were taking part in the exercise near Niinisalo,
150 miles northwest of the capital, Helsinki, which was to end over the
weekend.