News / National
Teacher killed by lightning school
3 hrs ago |
133 Views
A lightning strike has claimed the life of a teacher and left four other people injured after it struck an eight-roomed teachers' cottage at Chahoba Primary School in Chiredzi West, Ward 26, near Triangle, on January 18 at around 2pm.
The incident occurred during heavy rainfall accompanied by intense lightning activity. At the time of the strike, five occupants—three teachers and two children—were inside the cottage and were affected by the lightning.
The strike caused extensive damage to the building, destroying clothing and other household property.
Access to the area was severely hampered as both the Tugwi and Runde rivers were flooded, rendering the location temporarily inaccessible to emergency services. Despite the logistical challenges, the injured victims were eventually transferred to Nyahombe Clinic at around 4am, where they received medical attention.
One of the teachers later succumbed to injuries sustained in the lightning strike. The deceased has been identified as a 42-year-old female teacher from Mberengwa. Her body is being transferred to Chiredzi District Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Masvingo Province Deputy Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, confirmed the incident, saying investigations are ongoing while the injured victims are in a stable condition.
The District Development Coordinator (DDC) for Chiredzi, who is also the Chairperson of the Civil Protection Unit, Lovemore Chisema, also confirmed the tragedy and highlighted the difficulties encountered during rescue efforts.
"It is true the incident occurred; however, the area is inaccessible as it lies between Tugwi River and Runde River," said Chisema. "Despite this, the community, led by Councillor Magavadhani of Ward 26 in Chiredzi West, managed to render first-stage assistance, ensuring all affected individuals were taken to the clinic for medical attention."
He added that arrangements are underway for inter-district coordination to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased, with all necessary documentation already submitted to the relevant authorities.
The incident occurred during heavy rainfall accompanied by intense lightning activity. At the time of the strike, five occupants—three teachers and two children—were inside the cottage and were affected by the lightning.
The strike caused extensive damage to the building, destroying clothing and other household property.
Access to the area was severely hampered as both the Tugwi and Runde rivers were flooded, rendering the location temporarily inaccessible to emergency services. Despite the logistical challenges, the injured victims were eventually transferred to Nyahombe Clinic at around 4am, where they received medical attention.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Masvingo Province Deputy Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, confirmed the incident, saying investigations are ongoing while the injured victims are in a stable condition.
The District Development Coordinator (DDC) for Chiredzi, who is also the Chairperson of the Civil Protection Unit, Lovemore Chisema, also confirmed the tragedy and highlighted the difficulties encountered during rescue efforts.
"It is true the incident occurred; however, the area is inaccessible as it lies between Tugwi River and Runde River," said Chisema. "Despite this, the community, led by Councillor Magavadhani of Ward 26 in Chiredzi West, managed to render first-stage assistance, ensuring all affected individuals were taken to the clinic for medical attention."
He added that arrangements are underway for inter-district coordination to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased, with all necessary documentation already submitted to the relevant authorities.
Source - midweek watch
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
