FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A lightning strike has killed one person and injured two others on Fort Myers Beach in southwest Florida.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office says a man was walking with a woman and another man Tuesday afternoon when the lightning bolt struck. The strike apparently killed him instantly. The other man and woman were taken to the hospital. Their conditions were not immediately available.

Witnesses say they heard a loud cracking sound when the lightning struck.

According to local media reports, the storm was so intense that rescue workers had to stay in their vehicles for some time after the strike.

Deputies say the woman was walking and talking before being taken to the hospital.

Officials did not immediately release the names of the victims.

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