LONG POND: One spectator was killed and several others injured by lightning strikes following the conclusion of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event, according to officials.

Monroe County Coroner Bob Allen identified the deceased as 41-year-old Brian Zimmerman, of Moosic, Pennsylvania.

Officials said the nine other individuals injured as a result of two separate lightning strikes at Sunday's event were transferred to hospital.

One spectator was transported to Lehigh Hospital in Allentown and was upgraded to stable on Monday.

Officials from the Pocono Raceway said the track was under a severe thunderstorm watch for most of race day on Sunday before a warning was issued for the area shortly after 4:00 pm local time (2000 GMT).

NASCAR officials stopped the race and called it after 98 of the scheduled 160 laps were completed. Jeff Gordon was leading when the event was halted and was awarded the victory. AGENCIES