Victims of a lightning strike in the Palabek settlement camp in northern Uganda were laid to rest on Sunday, November 3. They had gathered to pray when rain began falling around 5:00 PM on Saturday, with the lightning strike occurring about thirty minutes later.
Authorities confirmed 14 individuals as victims, including eight males. Additionally, 34 people sustained injuries and received treatment at a nearby health centre.
Fatal lightning strikes are frequently reported in Uganda during the rainy season
“From the figures we identified, we had 14 mortalities. And these are people who died on the spot and the age group of 9 to 21, the youngest being a 9-year-old girl, then the eldest being a 21-year-old male.” Police investigations revealed an absence of anti-lightning infrastructure.
The victims were at a prayer service in a makeshift metallic structure when tragedy occured. The deceased are reportedly from South Sudan.
