Thirteen people were injured -- one critically -- Wednesday afternoon when lightning struck a football field at Monarch High School in Coconut Creek, according to authorities.
A 15-year-old football player was critically injured and three other people -- including a cheerleader -- were seriously injured in the accident.
The 15-year-old junior varsity player, who has not yet been identified, was struck directly in the chest, Coconut Creek police spokeswoman Judie Banks said.
He was taken to Broward General Medical Center, Banks said. Two others were taken to the hospital because they were standing next to the student when he was hit, Banks said.
Ten other students were treated in the school's gymnasium for scrapes and bruises, Banks said.
Because of the weather, the referee called the game off in the fourth quarter between the Monarch High and Pompano Beach High junior varsity football teams, just before the lightning hit the field.
Fire-rescue workers and the school called the game off as soon as they heard thunder.
The lightning struck as dozens of players ran off the field.
The ground vibrated from the force of the strike. Dozens felt the shock.
The gymnasium was turned into a triage center so the injuries of the students could be assessed.
Parents and students watched in shock as paramedics worked feverishly over the critically injured football player.
