Farm cited, faces fines in worker’s lightning death

PARKLAND, Fla. – Officials say the farm that employed a Florida woman fatally struck by lightning has been cited for failing to protect workers.

A U.S. Department of Labor news release says Occupational Health and Safety Administration inspectors determined that C.W. Hendrix Farms exposed employees to lightning strikes as they picked vegetables in inclement weather. The company faces a penalty of $12,934, the maximum amount allowed.

Authorities say 53-year-old Maria Francisco Pascual was working at the Parkland farm in May when a bolt of lightning killed her. Two others were reported injured.

The Associated Press attempted to contact C.W. Hendrix Farms, but the voice mail memory was full.