5-year-old girl struck by lightning

A DAUGHTER of Evangelic Church’s cleric aged five years old, Docas Andrew, died on the spot after being struck by lightning

Her mother, Rhoda Mlela (36) has been admitted at Sopa Health Centr in Kalambo District in Rukwa Region for treatment for shock. Rukwa Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr George Kyando, said the incident occurred at around 5pm on Thursday at Sopa Village in the district.

The Sopa Health Centre’s Medical in Charge, Severine Membe, admits they received the girl who died on arrival at the health facility. Her chest was badly burnt by lightning, Mr Membe said.

“We received the child at the health facility yesterday evening for treatment, but it was already too late as when I examined her she was already dead. She sustained severe burns on her chest,” he added.

Membe further said that the mother of the deceased girl identified as Rhoda admitted at the health centre for treatment, collapsed and fainted after she was told of the shocking incident.

Eyewitnesses from the scene of incident said on that material day Docas and her mother arrived by car at the village from Sumbawanga town. The latter went straight to her house, leaving behind her daughter, playing with her age mates.

“There were six children playing together under a tree … it was not raining, but suddenly lightning struck and five children were badly burnt including Docas. The rest were thrown about here and there. Fortunately, the other children were only badly shaken,” one resident said.

A close relative who preferred anonymity said one resident rushed the minor child to the health facility in the village for treatment while the others went to the house of the pastor and told his family the sad story. It was at that moment that the pastor’s wife, Rhoda collapsed and was rushed to the same health facility for treatment.

Source: Daily News