ALFRED JAWOKO

ZOMBO: Lightning has struck and critically injured five children from one family in Zombo district.

The incident occurred on Sunday 27^th August 2023 in Got Afoyo village, Warr Sub County, Zombo district.

The victims were identified as Jenevive Kayenyparwoth 4, Melisa Inying Parwoth 8, Gracious  Lengcwiny 8, Gracious Nyamutoro 12 and Zara Yikparwoth 12 all residents of Warr Sub county.

According to an eye witness Charles Odong,the councilor for persons with Disability Warr Town council, the victims were playing under the verandah of a building located 500 meters away from where the incident happened. 

Odong said that lightening struck the children at the time when some football fans were watching football.

“We regret the incident of lightening. It did not only injure the kids but destroyed all Television screens and electric poles nearby.

Jackson Omony 43, the father of three victims narrated that upon receiving the information about the incident they rushed the victims to Agiermach Health centre III for treatment.

He further lamented that there were six children playing together but only five were injured.

In the meantime, Derick Odongo, the in charge Agiermach Health centre III confirmed the incident and said three children were discharged upon examinations and two are yet admitted as they sustained serious burns.

Odongo further advised parents to be watchful over their children during the onset of the rainy season and appealed to members of the community to wear protective gears like gumboots, shoes during the rainy season to avert chances of being struck by lightning.

This is the first episode of lightning in Zombo district since this year began.

In 2011 lightening struck Paidha Model Primary School in Paidha Town Council, Zombo district affecting 31 pupils and two teachers.