Tucson Unified School District
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Rincon University Lightning Strike
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Chyrl Lander, (520) 225-6437,
Chyrl.Lander@tusd1.org
Posted on: August 25, 2008
The Education Building at Rincon/University High Schools, 421 N. Arcadia Blvd., was struck by lightning shortly after 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25.
There were no injuries.
Principal Kimberly Babeu said she had evacuated the area around the building approximately 10 minutes before the strike because “the lightning was too close. We evacuated the Senior Patio and had students go inside.”
“Several cinder blocks were blown apart and strewn over the patio,” said Babeu, describing what happened during the strike. The lightning hit an elevator by the Education Building, which is in the center of the campus and faces Fifth Street, she said.
Students were at lunch during the lightning strike. School will continue on its normal schedule, letting out at 2:40 p.m., said Babeu.
Rincon and University share a building and campus. They are two of Tucson Unified Schools’ 11 high schools. There are approximately 1,960 students enrolled in the two high schools.
For more information, call Rincon at 232-5600, University at 232-5900 or Communications & Media Relations at 225-6437.