A lightning strike killed seven students and injured 82 others during a heavy rainstorm at Businda Secondary School, Bukombe District in Tanzania on Monday January 27.
Bukombe District Commissioner, Paskas Murangili, confirmed the incident noting that six of the deceased were boys, while one was a girl and added that the lightning struck between 3pm and 4pm.
“While the students were in class during the rain, lightning struck, leading to the death of seven students. Six of them were boys, and one was a girl. Following the incident, medical teams rushed to the school to provide immediate assistance,” he said.
Eighty-two other students were injured in the incident and were treated at Bukombe District Hospital.
Out of the 82 injured students, 80 were to be reported to be in stable condition, while two remain in critical condition after losing consciousness and are currently receiving medical treatment.
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President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan described the news as heartbreaking and extended her sympathy to the families and loved ones of the victims.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic lightning strike that claimed the lives of seven students and injured 82 others at Businda Secondary School in Bukombe District, Geita Region. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Member of Parliament for Bukombe Constituency and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Dr Doto Mashaka Biteko, as well as the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected,” the President said in her Facebook post.
“May Almighty God rest the souls of the departed in eternal peace and grant the injured a swift recovery,” the President added.
By Joseph Mambili
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