Lightning claims life of Grade 3 learner in KZN learner during storm

In Dannhauser, KwaZulu-Natal, a Grade 3 learner lost their life due to a lightning strike during a severe thunderstorm.

The young student, along with two others, was walking home from Mandlamasha Primary School when tragedy struck.

A lightning strike killed a grade 3 learner in KZN

Aftermath of the lightning strike

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) confirmed the child’s unfortunate demise at the scene, while the other two learners were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Cogta MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi expressed deep condolences to the grieving family and wished a swift recovery to the injured learners.

She stated, “It is deeply sad that such a young person has left us in a tragic manner.”

“Our disaster team will reach out to the families as per our normal procedure to assist families affected by such incidents.”

The tragic incident was part of a larger storm that wreaked havoc in various areas of KwaZulu-Natal.

Sithole-Moloi provided details, saying, “Our initial reports suggest that the most affected areas were Wembezi in Estcourt, under the Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality, which was damaged by a thunderstorm and strong winds; Nhlazatshe in Ulundi, damaged by strong winds and Ozwathini and Mhlongo farm under Abaqulusi Local Municipality, which were damaged by the hailstorm.”

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The storm also caused extensive damage to homes, with roofs blowing off in several locations.

Disaster management teams are actively working to assist affected families, coordinating efforts with various departments to provide support.

Sithole-Moloi mentioned, “We have coordinated with other departments to come to the aid of affected families.”

“Some families have lost their valuables such as furniture and important documents and medications.”

The Department of Health, Home Affairs, and the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) are collaborating to replace essential documents and medications for those impacted by the storm.

The community is coming together to support one another in the aftermath of this tragic incident and the widespread destruction caused by the severe weather conditions.

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