WASHINGTON — Army Ranger School students and instructors hospitalized after lightning strikes during a training exercise at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., have been released, the Army said Thursday.
Rangers and students were evacuated from Camp Rudder after lightning strikes just before 5 p.m. Wednesday, Fort Benning spokesman Christopher Warner said. Many were treated and released at a local hospital, but nine Ranger students and two trainers stayed overnight for observation.
All have returned to duty to finish the 10-day cycle to earn their Ranger tab.
“The Ranger students and instructors reacted and got everyone proper medical care quickly,” Col. David Fivecoat, commander of the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade, said in a statement. “Ranger students and instructors are tough.”
The current class includes women for the first time. The two female soldiers were not involved in the incident, the Army said.
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