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Brothers survive lightning strike hiking Pacific Crest Trail in Washington

Three brothers from California are lucky to be alive after being struck by lightning near Skykomish.
Three brothers from California are lucky to be alive after being struck by lightning near Skykomish.

Three weeks ago, Austin, Dylan and Garrett Murtha began hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, starting at the Canadian border. The brothers were slowed down last week when they were struck by lightning while hiking near Skykomish, Washington.

“I got struck by lightning, it was crazy. I’m alive though, that’s a good thing, right,” Austin said in a video captured shortly after the incident.

A storm moved in quickly over the trail, sending the brothers scrambling for cover. Austin was thrown 15 feet and knocked unconscious; his older brother had to revive him.

Greg Murtha, the boys’ father, shared the video showing the trio with shredded and melted clothes, singed from the strike.

"This is my hat, it exploded off my head," Austin said.

The boys hiked 55 miles to get help once Austin regained consciousness Greg said. Once cleared by a doctor, the brothers continued their trek on the PCT.

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