Lightning strike injures roofers in Libertyville

Two roofers were hospitalized for observation Monday after a lightning strike at Libertyville High School, authorities said.

A crew of about eight or nine workers was at the school, 708 W. Park Ave., (Route 176) about 12:30 p.m., according to Libertyville Fire Chief Rich Carani, when the weather turned suddenly.

“It was just a (weather) cell. It was about the size of Mundelein and Libertyville and blew right through,” Carani said.

The lightning strike preceded a deluge that lasted about five minutes.

“They were up there (on the roof),” Carani said of the two men. “Lightning hit the building somewhere. They felt the effects of that strike.”

No other injuries were reported, he said.

The men climbed down off the roof on their own, Carani said. They described a “tingling” sensation throughout their bodies, but neither lost consciousness or sustained burns, he added. One of the men was standing and the other was sitting at the base of a ladder when paramedics arrived, Carani said.

There was no sign of damage to the roof or the building, Carani said. The flat roof has a metal deck, and a lightning protection system is in place.

The workers were taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center for observation, Carani said.

Riddiford Roofing of Arlington Heights is replacing one section of roof on south side of building as part of scheduled maintenance, said Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 spokeswoman Mary Todoric.