Three struck by lightning at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport

Northwest planes
Northwest Airlines planes at MSP airport.
MPR Photo/Charlie Knutson

Three construction workers were struck by lightning at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport late last night.

Metropolitan Airports Commission spokesman Patrick Hogan said the workers were in a vehicle on the airfield just north of the Lindberg Terminal when lightning struck the vehicle. He said only one of the workers appeared to have been struck directly by the lightning.

"All three appeared to have only minor injuries," Hogan said. "Two of the individuals refused treatment, the third was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center just to be checked out, but they were all alert and talking after the strike so it appears that it was much less damaging than it could have been."

Hogan said it's unusual for lightning to strike at the airport. He said airlines and other companies that have employees on the airfield ask workers to seek cover when lightning is possible. The construction workers were on their way to the terminal when they were struck.

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