ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – A farmer was killed while four others were wounded when lightning struck a barn where they sought refuge at the height of a thunderstorm in Sitio Lower Tigbao, Barangay Licomo here on Monday, November 9.
Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) Information Officer Capt. Edwin Duco identified the fatality as Rodericko Guzman dela Cruz, 25.
Duco identified those wounded as Kimar Aidarud dela Cruz, 26; Ronnel Cuartocruz delos Reyes, 29; Jessico Atilano dela Merced, 47; and Leo Digario Diaz Jalao, 38.
Duco said the incident took place around 1 p.m. just when the victims were busy working at an open field, threshing rice.
An investigation said a heavy downpour sent the victims seeking refuge at a palay barn when lightning struck.
Rodericko was reportedly struck as he was just about to enter the barn.
The victims were rushed to a lying-in clinic for medical attention, but the attending physician declared Rodericko dead on arrival.
Rodericko’s companions were treated after they sustained burns, the police official said.
The lightning incident Monday was the second that happened in the city this month.
Earlier, a seventh-grader also died after being struck by lightning in Barangay Boalan on November 5.