Statistics of the Colombian National Army lightning accidents

Statistics of Colombian National Army lightning accidents for 8 years between 2003 and 2012 are presented. The Direction of Integrity Preservation and Security of the Colombian Army DIPSE (Spanish acronym of Dirección de Preservación de la Integridad y Seguridad del Ejercito) reports are the base for the present paper. A total of 282 casualties were reported in 149 events with 72 deaths and 210 injuries. The real figures may be much higher due to the fact that some cases are not reported. Lightning accidents tended to occur mainly in the two rainy seasons April to June and September to November. The Colombian Department of Antioquia showed the largest number of reported events and casualties. It also happens to be the region with the largest ground flash density of Colombia.