A two-year-old baby miraculously survived a lightning strike that killed her mother and another child in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South.
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Huwana, leaving the local community reeling from the loss.
The lightning reportedly killed a 19-year-old woman from Tsholotsho and a four-year-old child instantly. Meanwhile, the baby strapped to the woman’s back survived the devastating strike.
Another four-year-old child also survived but required hospital treatment.
Lightning Strike Claims Two Lives in Huwana
The incident happened at approximately 1.30 pm as the group left Headman Macebo’s homestead in Ward Eight.
The young mother had reportedly been working at a nearby homestead before the group prepared to leave. She was carrying her two-year-old child on her back when lightning struck.
Local councillor Mqondisi Zikhali confirmed the incident, describing the tragedy as a shocking development for residents.
“The incident happened as they left Headman Macebo’s homestead. The lightning bolt killed two people on the spot, while a two-year-old child who was on her mother’s back survived. Another four-year-old was rushed to hospital after surviving the strike,” he said.
Zikhali said the incident had stunned residents, particularly because the area had experienced little rainfall.
Authorities Confirm Incident as Investigations Continue
Bulilima District Development Coordinator Onesimo Zogora also acknowledged receiving reports of the deadly lightning strike.
Zogora, who chairs the district’s Civil Protection Committee, said officials were still collecting information about the incident.
The tragedy highlights the devastating risks lightning poses to people caught outdoors during thunderstorms.
Although rainfall had reportedly been limited in the area, the strike proved fatal for the two victims.
Meanwhile, the survival of the baby and the other child offered a rare glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.
Authorities were still gathering further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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