WASHINGTON (AP) -- Nine Army Ranger students and two instructors were injured and remained hospitalized after lightning struck near them while they were doing military exercises in Florida.
The Army said they were hurt while conducting training Wednesday at Eglin Air Force Base on how to protect themselves from lightning.
Four instructors and 40 students were initially taken to the hospital, but most were treated and eventually released.
The students were near the end of their Ranger training. This class has gained attention because, for the first time, two women have been expected to graduate from the grueling Ranger course. The two women weren't injured, according to a U.S. official, who wasn't authorized to discuss the issue publicly and so spoke anonymously.
The Army said 31 students returned to training with increased medical monitoring.
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