NASCAR fan killed by lightning identified

LONG POND, Pa. -- NASCAR fans at Pocono Raceway were advised over public address systems and through social media to take cover when lightning and heavy rain hit the track near the end of the race. The warnings weren't enough to avoid tragedy at the track on Sunday.

Lightning strikes at Pocono after a rain-shortened NASCAR race killed a 41-year-old man from a nearby county, authorities said yesterday. Nine others were critically injured, racetrack officials said.

Brian Zimmerman, of Moosic, Pa., died as he stood near his car in the parking lot of Pocono Raceway, according to the Monroe County coroner.

Multiple lightning strikes occurred behind the racetrack's grandstands and outside one of the gates as fans were leaving, Pocono spokesman Bob Pleban said.

The crowd of about 85,000 was told to take cover when lightning and heavy rain hit the track Sunday afternoon near the end of the race. But some fans posted on the raceway's Facebook page that they did not hear the weather-related announcements.

NASCAR spokesman Dave Higdon said Monday that officials are reviewing how the track carried out its emergency procedures. He cautioned against rushing to judgment until all facts are known. -- AP