Local News
Mass Casualty Incident Declared at Lehigh Senior High School Due to Heat-Related Injuries
Preliminary reports suggest the students were participating in a JROTC drill when the incident occurred.
Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, along with Lee County EMS, responded to a Level 3 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) at Lehigh Senior High School on Thursday.
Over 20 students reportedly suffered heat-related injuries, with some collapsing on the football field.
Preliminary reports suggest the students were participating in a JROTC drill when the incident occurred.
Emergency responders quickly arrived to provide treatment, and several students were transported to nearby medical facilities for evaluation and care.
Officials have clarified that the term Mass Casualty Incident refers to an event involving five or more individuals requiring medical attention and does not imply fatalities.
No fatalities have occurred, and the situation is strictly heat-related.
This is not related to any form of violence or shooting.
Authorities and school officials are monitoring the situation closely, and updates will be provided as more details become available.
Parents and guardians concerned about their children’s well-being are encouraged to contact the school for further information.
This is a developing story.
A powerful surge of extremely high surf battered the California coast on Monday, leading to the partial collapse of the iconic Santa Cruz Pier.
The damaged portion of the pier broke away and was seen floating in the turbulent waters, underscoring the severity of the wave action caused by the extreme weather conditions.
Reports indicate that water rescues are currently underway as emergency crews respond to individuals caught in the perilous conditions.
Authorities are urging the public to stay away from the water and maintain a safe distance from the shoreline as dangerous waves continue to crash against the coast.
Video footage from the scene captures the ominous, towering waves on the horizon, creating a hazardous environment for anyone venturing near the water.
Local officials have issued warnings about the life-threatening risks of entering or approaching the surf, emphasizing that such actions endanger not only those individuals but also the lives of rescue personnel tasked with their recovery.
The Santa Cruz Pier, a beloved landmark, is a hub for local residents and tourists alike, making its damage a stark reminder of the raw power of nature.
Engineers and safety officials are expected to assess the structural integrity of the remaining portions of the pier once conditions improve.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of heeding safety advisories during this period of intense surf, which is likely linked to a combination of weather patterns, including a significant storm system and high tides.
Residents and visitors are urged to monitor updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency services as they continue to respond to the evolving situation.