Three men were seriously shocked and two mules instantly killed at Morganton Monday when lightning struck and knocked down a 44,000-volt wire on the main line of the Southern Power Company, which runs within 100 feet of Wilson’s store, about a mile from Morganton.
S.S. Carswell, who lives near Burkemont and owner of the mules which were killed, was standing on the porch of Wilson’s store when his team started off. He rushed after them but by the time he stepped on the ground there was a flash of lightning, and he fell unconscious. The mules were knocked dead in their tracks. When the lightning flashed, the power line fell to the ground about 200 feet from where the accident occurred, but it is believed by local electricians that the wire had nothing to do with the accident. Mr. Carswell was taken to his home after regaining consciousness, but he complained of being unable to move his legs.
Resulting from the same stroke of lightning, Sam Taylor, who was attempting to pull the electric switch of a Morganton ice plant, was knocked unconscious and carried to a hospital. His condition according to the latest reports seems to be improving. Robert Brinkley, bookkeeper for the Burke Garage, was also shocked but was not knocked unconscious.
It is believed by the electricians of the company that the Southern Power line around that section was considerably damaged by the bolt. No one saw but the one flash and paid very little attention to it. There was no notice of the slightest sound of thunder.
From the front page of the Hickory Daily Record, July 4, 1922
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