Bodycam footage shows lightning strike near South Dakota highway patrol officers

A body‑camera recording released by the South Dakota Highway Patrol shows a bolt of lightning striking just metres away from two officers conducting a traffic stop on Highway 14 near the town of Mitchell on Tuesday afternoon. The video captures the flash, the accompanying thunderclap and the officers’ immediate reaction as they seek shelter behind their patrol vehicle, confirming that neither officer sustained injuries in the incident.

State officials noted that the strike occurred during an unexpected thunderstorm that prompted the department to activate its severe‑weather safety protocol, which includes moving to a protected location and suspending field activities until conditions improve. The incident, while rare, highlights the hazards law‑enforcement personnel can face while performing duties outdoors and underscores the importance of real‑time weather monitoring for public‑safety agencies.