Zambia: A lightening incident in Zambia has claimed the life of a 37 year old woman. The officials have shared that the lightning struck the area on October 29. The Chief Mumbi’s Chiefdom of Petauke district was experiencing high rains for several hours before the lightning struck.
The victim was accompanied by her husband when the accident happened. The husband has escaped unharmed and was also responsible for informing the police about the death of his wife.
The woman was also with her children, a three year old daughter who has survived but sustained severe burns. The girl has been admitted at Kalindawalo hospital and is receiving treatment for her injuries
The deceased has been identified as Julie Mwape aged 37 years. She died on 29 October 2024 while she was with her husband Jericho Mwanza aged 42 and her two children.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba said in a statement that the deceased was struck by lightning as they were coming from the funeral of her sister in law.
“Brief facts are that Julie Mwanza, now deceased while in the company of her husband and 2 children, were going back home in Nyansoma village when the rains started accompanied by Lightning,” Mweenba said.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Mweeba said the incident happened around 17:00hrs. He confirmed in the official press statement that the woman was struck to death by lightning. Meanwhile her 3 years old daughter sustained multiple burns and is still receiving treatment at Kalindawalo hospital.
The incident was reported to Petauke police station by the husband of the deceased on 30th October 2024 around 11:00hours.
Petauke recorded its first rains on 29th October 2024 which started around 17:00hours. The deceased body is currently deposited in Kalindawalo hospital mortuary awaiting burial.
The members of the community have expressed their sincere condolences on the loss of the mother and wife. The people have hoped that the family can deal with the tragic loss that they have suffered in this natural disaster