Father and son killed by lightning during family meeting

A 45-year-old man and his son on Sunday afternoon died on spot after being struck by a bolt of lightning at their home in Lamwo District, during a family meeting, local leaders said.

The incident which happened at Lumodo east village, Palabule parish, Lamwo town council at about 4:30pm during a mild down pour also reportedly left three other people with severe body injuries.

Local leaders identified the deceased as David Obwor and his son George Obalim, 10.

The injured were identified as Bosco Olol, 40, Jennifer Abwor and a five-year-old girl only identified as Ajalo.

Mr George Nyeko, the LCIII Chairperson Lamwo Town Council said the injured were rushed to Lukung Health Center III where they are currently receiving medical treatment from.

Mr Nyeko noted that Obwor and those who sustained injuries were seated under a tree in their compound when lightning struck them.

He explained that the survivors had paid a courtesy visit to the family of Obwor before the incident happened.

Mr Nyeko, however, noted that necessary arrangements are being done to have the deceased buried.

According to Mr Nyeko, lightning strikes have become one of the major leading causes of death in the district and called for intervention of cultural leaders and clergies to conduct cleansing and prayers to rid the area of “bad omen”.

He said at least six people have so far been struck dead by lightning in Lamwo town council alone since the year began.

“We are losing many people in this area due to lightning strikes. We suspect there could be something wrong and needs the cultural leaders and religious leaders’ intervention to help our people,” he said.

In May this year, a child was killed while three others were severely injured after being struck by lightning in Okora East village, Lukung Sub-County.

In August last year, four people from the same family died after a bolt of lightning struck their grass-thatched hut setting it on fire in Pakabule parish, Lomodo village in Lamwo town council.