A man attending the Celebrate Freedom community gathering was struck by lightning when a fast-moving storm passed through Billings at about 8 p.m. on Saturday.

The man's name and condition were not available late Saturday, but Battalion Chief Les Solheim of the Billings Fire Department said the man suffered burns and cardiac arrest.

He was taken to St. Vincent Healthcare for treatment.

The incident happened while a fire and medical crew were at Castle Rock Park attending to another person who suffered a seizure. Solheim said someone approached and asked for help with a man who had just been struck by lightning and was being given cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

A crew attended to the man and continued life-saving efforts until he could be transported to the hospital.

Meanwhile, another man in the same area suffered an asthma attack.

All three people were taken from the park to the hospital by ambulance, Solheim said.

The community event was sponsored by Harvest Church. Pastor George Burgin said he could not confirm the lightning strike but extended condolences to the man and his family.

A witness, Ron Gisler, said his family was about 50 yards away when the lightning struck. He said a simultaneous flash and thunder clap hit the area. The man struck by lightning was playing volleyball in an open area, he said.

"It was incredible," Gisler said. "Sad."

A storm moved over the area and brought with it a hard rain moments before the lightning hit, Gisler said.

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