Eleven railroad workers have had a lucky escape after they were struck by lightning in Western Australia’s goldfields.
The men had been working near Kookynie, north-east of Perth, on Saturday when they were hit during a severe thunderstorm.
They were taken to Leonora Hospital, with four of those affected then transferred to Kalgoorlie by the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service.
Eleven railroad workers have had a lucky escape after they were struck by lightning in Western Australia’s goldfields on Saturday (stock image)
Two of the men remained in hospital Sunday morning, while another five were allowed to go home straight away and four others were kept for observation before being released, Perth Now reports.
Majority of the men hit were labour hire contractors, with three of them employees at Arc Infrastructure, a rail freight network operator.
They had been working on a rail line when they were struck, with the company launching an official investigation.
‘Our focus in the last 24 hours has been on ensuring these people have received the right medical attention they need and their families are well informed and supported,’ Arc Infrastructure told Seven West Media.
The men, including eight labour hire contractors and three Arc Infrastructure employees, had been working on a line near Kookynie, north-east of Perth, when they were hit during a severe thunderstorm (stock image)
All eleven were taken to Leonora Hospital, with four of the affected workers later transferred to Kalgoorlie Hospital (pictured) by the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service and two remaining there as of Sunday morning
Lightning strikes can cause a variety of injuries, including damage to the heart and kidneys, as well as paralysis and loss of consciousness.
Other symptoms can include headaches, hearing loss, numbness and feathered or branching burns on the skin.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services released a warning about the storm Saturday afternoon advising residents in the Goldfields area to stay safe.
Those caught outside in a thunderstorm are urged to find shelter away from trees or power-lines and stay clear of water sources.