Lightning Bolt Strikes Five Learners In Zaka
Five learners from Dabwa Primary School in Zaka District, Masvingo province were struck by a bolt of lightning on Tuesday afternoon while on their way home from school.
Two of the pupils, a boy and girl (names supplied), and were both in Grade Five died, while the other three learners were injured.
A teacher at the school who refused to be named, confirmed the incident, saying at the time of the lightning strike, it was not raining and the pupils were less than a kilometre from the school. Said the teacher:
The unfortunate incident happened on Tuesday and at around 1 pm when the pupils were on their way home after they had been dismissed.
The two were among a group of pupils walking home when a bolt of lightning struck them. Three of their mates that they were walking with were injured in the process.
The frightened and injured pupils called for help and were assisted by passersby who ferried them to a nearby clinic. The passersby also tried to help the two victims but to no avail.
It was strange really because on the day when the incident occurred it was not even raining or drizzling.
The teacher said the injured pupils who were rushed to a nearby hospital where they received treatment had since been discharged.
The teacher added that some traumatised pupils are now unwilling to come to school for fear of another lightning strike.
Lightning strikes are common in Zimbabwe especially at the onset of the rainfall season as the rainfall is of the conventional type triggered by highly unstable atmospheric conditions caused by high daytime temperatures.
In November last year, two learners at Seke 1 High School in Chitungwiza were struck by a bolt of lightning while on their way from the school.
The learners, who were both 15, were ferried to a nearby hospital and were pronounced dead upon admission. | B-Metro
