Lightning strike causes injuries at Venice Beach; 8 patients transported

VENICE, LOS ANGELES -- At least eight patients were transported following a lightning strike at Venice Beach on Sunday, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. Two of the eight patients were said to be in critical condition.

The strike happened in the 3500 block of Ocean Front Walk shortly before 2:20 p.m. Thirteen people were evaluated at the scene.

At least one patient was transported to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood. Two people were transported with minor injuries to UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica. Officials say they were likely to be treated and released.

Lifeguards were searching for an adult swimmer, who went missing in the water, following the lightning strike.

Meantime, at least three lightning strikes sparked two brush fires in the Santa Catalina Island area around 12:30 p.m. Sunday. The fires were quickly doused.

A 57-year-old man was struck by lightning on the golf course, Avalon Sheriff's Station deputies said. He was treated and transported to Catalina Island Medical Center in stable condition.

Lightning and fires caused downed power lines and minor flooding in the area.

The unusual weather came from monsoon moisture that brought a line of brief but fierce afternoon thunderstorms to the region.

DEVELOPING: We will add more details to this report as they become available.