June 2, 2025 – Tarrant County, Texas
A sudden lightning strike injured 14 people at Mustang Park on Benbrook Lake Sunday evening as severe storms swept through North Texas.
According to the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department, the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. when a group of 14 individuals sought shelter under a canopy during a fast-moving thunderstorm. As they attempted to stabilize the canopy amid strong winds, lightning struck the structure, a nearby tree, and a vehicle. Twelve people were treated at the scene for minor injuries, while two were transported to the hospital as a precaution. All are expected to recover.
Juan Reyes, one of the victims, described the terrifying moment: “It was just a loud bang. Everybody was disoriented.” He recalled seeing a ball of fire and smoke before losing consciousness. Reyes, along with three others—including two children—was hospitalized. He is being kept overnight for observation due to swelling in his right forearm, the hand he used to hold the canopy.
The storm also brought large hail, with reports of hailstones up to the size of apples in southern Tarrant County.
For a visual report on the incident, you can watch the following news segment:
