PICO RIVERA, California (KABC) – A woman and her two dogs were killed by lightning while walking in Pico Rivera on Wednesday morning, officials said.
Ambulance and police were called to the Rimbank and Mines avenue area near the San Gabriel River around 8:50 a.m.
Pico Rivera City Manager Steve Carmona says a woman was found dead on the trail with her two dogs. She was apparently struck by lightning as storms swept through Southern California in the morning.
The city is warning residents in the area to stay inside until the storm passes, Carmona said.
“We all need to be careful with this activity that is in the area,” Carmona said. “We want everyone to be careful. There’s a lot of instability in the air. Just be careful and do your best to stay indoors at this time.”
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Lightning deaths are very rare in California. There are only nine deaths in the state since 2006, the first this year.
The nation as a whole sees about six deaths from lightning to June 22 on average one year.
The news of the tragedy was disturbing for the residents of the area.
“I’m afraid,” said Mary Perez, who lives in the area. “I told my granddaughter and her friend, she doesn’t go to school, I take her. I think more about lightning. Not that I never thought about it. I didn’t think he could really do that. It’s just awful. “
The identity of the 52-year-old woman has not been released.
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