Northam race track attendant critical after apparent lightning strike

A MAN (57) is in critical condition in Royal Perth Hospital after apparently being struck by lightning at Northam Racecourse yesterday.

The man was working as a barrier attendant at the course, carrying a bucket of sand and replacing divots between race five and six, when he was believed to have been struck about 4.30pm.

He was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital where he remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit.

There is another race meeting scheduled for Northam on November 29, although it is undecided whether that will go ahead.

Worksafe will investigate the incident.

Radio station 6PR breakfast presenter Steve Mills was at the course at the time.

“No one expects that to happen at any workplace,” Mr Mills said.

“I know that they were monitoring conditions, because the stewards are very vigilant on lightning policy – because they have a policy.”