WESTERN PROVINCE

KARONGI — Two people were on Tuesday afternoon killed when lightning struck them under a tree in Tumba sector.

The victims, Mukampamo Erina a middle aged woman, resident of Bisesero and Calixte Mumvore, had allegedly sought shelter under a tree during afternoon downpour.

Mukampano’s body was found in the middle of the road where the thunder seems to have thrown her. While that of Mumvore was found lying on the roadside meters apart. Sources said they were moving from the market.

It took long to get their identities; because people including local leaders were reportedly scared of reaching the scene with the belief that certain rituals needed to be carried out before, to avoid lightening striking again.

According to Kayumba, the sector executive secretary, one unidentified person who survived the incident helped spread the news but he disappeared shortly.

"There were three people under the tree and the third one was also struck but it didn’t affect him in any way. He spread the news but no one knew his name," Kayumba said.

By yesterday afternoon the bodies were still in Gisovu Health centre mortuary for postmortem; but sources said initial examination confirmed the victims died of lightning.

Meanwhile, the deceased’s husband collapsed after hearing the death of his spouse and was admitted in critical condition at Gisovu health centre.

In a related development, a seven-year old boy Eve Nkusi of Nyarurembo village was also shocked by lightning and rushed to hospital but his condition was improving by yesterday. Authorities warned residents against seeking shelter under trees when it’s raining.

"People should avoid traveling in rainfall and shouldn’t take tree shades as an option," Vice Mayor John Baptist said. It’s the first such incident to happen in Tumba in recent memory, residents said.

However, the incident has caused anxiety among residents due to the current heavy rains in the area. They say there is potential danger due to torrential waters flowing from the hills whenever it rains heavily.

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