Four lives lost in Busia as lightning strikes

At least four people including a university student passed on in Busia County after being struck by lightning.
Three family members from Kakapel Village in Teso North Sub-County died on Saturday evening with another three injured.
According to Angurai Ward MCA, Grace Olita Omasete, the family members were struck while they were in their house.
Mrs. Omasete explained that the deceased included the first born daughter to the family of Andrew Idewa who had gone visiting from her marital home.
She further explained that Andrew Idewa, his wife Caroline Idewa and grandson Rean Samwel were critically injured.
“With the assistance of the County government, we have organised for the trio to be transferred from St. Mary’s Mission Centre, Chemeluk to Kocholia Sub-County hospital for specialised treatment,” she said.
The MCA appealed to the national government to install lightning arrestors in learning institutions and other lightening prone areas.
“Lightning struck Katakwa Primary school a few years ago killing two pupils,” she said adding that similar incidents had been witnessed at Aedemoru and Kakapel.
Meanwhile, a 20-year-old University student died in Samia Sub-County after being struck by lightning.
According to Nangina MCA, John Obwogo, the 3pm incident that occurred on Sunday, left six others seriously injured.
Obwogo added that the six were rushed to Nangina hospital where they were treated and discharged while the body of the deceased was moved to Busia County Referral hospital.
“Lightning strikes are a cause of worry across the County,” he said.
He said he will rally his colleagues from other 34 wards to set aside funds for installing lightning arrestors in learning institutions.
By Salome Alwanda