DARBY, Mont. (AP) — Authorities say a lightning strike at the start of a bull riding competition in the western Montana town of Darby injured a bull rider and two spectators when the electric shock spread through the grandstands and rodeo chutes that had just been soaked by a thunderstorm.

Bull-O-Rama Chairman Cal Ruark tells the Missoulian the bolt hit a light pole Saturday evening at the Elite Bull Connection and went in every direction in the arena with about 1,000 fans.

He says the three injured were taken to Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital by ambulance and were alert. It's unclear how many others received less severe injuries. A rodeo announcer suffered a burn to his hand from where he was holding the microphone.

The event has been rescheduled for Sunday afternoon.

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