August 13, 2009

BELLVILLE, Ga. (AP) -- Evans County authorities say a 14-year-old
boy was seriously injured after he was struck by lightning during
football practice at a private school in the rural city of
Bellville.

Claxton Fire Chief Harold Rogers said Thursday witnesses
reported a loud boom and a cloud of dust when lightning struck the
field at Pinewood Christian Academy on Wednesday.

Sheriff Randall Tippins said the injured student, William Dalton
Raulerson, as taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center in
Savannah and was listed in critical condition Wednesday night. A
hospital spokesman did not immediately return a call Thursday
seeking an update on his condition.

Severe thunderstorms swept through southeast Georgia on
Wednesday night, but Rogers said skies were clear when the
lightning struck. He said coaches immediately performed CPR on the
boy, likely saving his life.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)