The wake of children who died after being struck by lightning at a rice field in Sitio Tangos, Pulilan, Bulacan on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Jo Mosa)
Three cousins died after being struck by lightning at a rice field in Barangay Inaon, Pulilan, Bulacan during a heavy downpour on Wednesday, June 5.
Police identified the fatalities as Rexter Enriquez, 16; Rocsan Enriquez, 12; and April Almoradie, 11, all of Sitio Tangos, Barangay Inaon.
Based on the initial investigation conducted by the police, the victims were playing with their five other relatives in the middle of the rice field when the heavy downpour occurred at about 3:00 p.m. along with thunder and lightning.
According to Santino, Rexter's younger brother, there were eight of them playing in the rain when his brother and two cousins were struck by lightning. The basketball board was partially destroyed by lightning and a mango tree was also split.
The victims were rushed to the Dr. Magdalena Reyes Hospital in Pulilan but were declared dead on arrival.
Upon learning of the incident, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region-3 immediately gave financial assistance to the victims' families.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando condoled with the families of the victims and advised all parents and guardians to prevent their children from playing during a thunderstorm.