OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

(10/P70) TRENTON – Two men have been hospitalized as a result of a lightning strike that occurred while they were while camping illegally at Rancocas State Park in Burlington County.

Ricky Cooper, 46, of Hainesport is listed as critical but stable at Temple University Hospital Burn Center in Philadelphia. Thomas Gardiner, 37, also of Hainesport is listed as being in fair condition at Temple.

The lightning strike appears to have occurred when thunderstorms rolled through the area late Wednesday afternoon. The men were initially treated at Virtua Hospital in Mount Holly and were then taken to Temple.

It’s not clear how they got to Virtua, but it appears that Gardiner drove himself and Cooper out of the park.

Camping is not allowed at Rancocas State Park. The 1,252-acre park is located along Rancocas Creek near Mount Holly.

New Jersey State Park Police and State Police are continuing to investigate.