Two young siblings were struck by lightning in Mashonaland West while playing in the rain, leaving one dead. The sudden and violent lightning strike has torn a family apart, claiming the life of one child and leaving another traumatised. The local authorities have confirmed the devastating details of the event, which serves as a grim reminder of the deadly force of nature during the rainy season.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the tragedy unfolded at the Grantley mine compound. Two young siblings, aged just 11 and 9, were enjoying the rainfall when a catastrophic lightning bolt struck them. The force of the strike was immediate and fatal for the elder child. Inspector Ian Kohwera, a spokesperson for the ZRP, provided the sombre details of the case, confirming the family’s unimaginable loss. The community of Chakari has been left reeling from the sudden nature of the event, a stark contrast to what should have been a moment of childish play.
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Two Siblings Struck By Lightning In Mashonaland West Leaving One Dead
In a turn of events that can only be described as miraculous, the younger of the two victims, the nine-year-old, regained consciousness after the strike. It was this child who, upon coming to, had to alert their parents to the horrifying scene. Inspector Kohwera recounted the chilling sequence, stating,
“The nine-year-old victim later re-gained consciousness and advised their parents.”
This dreadful task fell to a child who had just survived a life-threatening ordeal, leaving the family to confront a reality no parent should ever face. The police were swiftly alerted, and officers from ZRP Chakari attended the scene before conveying the deceased’s body to Kadoma General Hospital.
A Stern Warning from Authorities
In the wake of this tragedy, the police have issued an urgent plea to the public, emphasising the critical need for vigilance as the country enters a period of increased rainfall. The incident underscores the very real dangers posed not only by lightning but by seasonal weather patterns as a whole. Inspector Kohwera emphasised the need for public awareness, urging,
“The public is advised to take precautionary measures during this impending rain reason to avoid loss of life due to lighting or drowning.”
This official warning highlights the broader responsibility of communities to prioritise safety, ensuring that such a preventable and shocking loss of life is not repeated. The family in Chakari is now left to mourn, their lives irrevocably changed by a single bolt from the sky.
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