Lightning strike kills girl, injures 2 others in Torit

A lightning strike killed a 13-year-old girl, Ihiteng Abaha, and injured 2 others in Torit town of Eastern Equatoria on Saturday.

Heavy rains with strong wind hit Torit town over the weekend destroying several houses and fences.

Captain Stephen Tete, the Eastern Equatoria State National Civil Defense Service acting deputy director told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the girls were returning from collecting water at a borehole when lightning struck.

“On the 14th Saturday at around 3:40 pm, lightning hit a girl of 13 years named Ihiteng Abaha, she came back from borehole accompanied by 2 girls then the thunder hit all of them but Ihiteng died immediately and the two were rushed to the hospital then from the hospital I received the information that they were taken home to Oudo village for local treatment,“ Captain Tete said.

The official urged the public to avoid moving in open places when it is raining.

“During rains, people have to avoid going to open places. You should go to a nearby house because even the trees are dangerous. After all, it will make a connection directly then hit you. This is the only advice I can give,” Tete warned.

Last month, lightning killed a 38-year-old man identified only as James and injured another in the Mura-Lopit area in Eastern Equatoria’s Lopa/Lafon County.

The four men were said to be going fishing at Midihir stream when it started raining and lightning struck.