Lightning strikes, kills two Imo labourers, injures four others

Two residents of Ndegwu community in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State were struck by lightning on Monday.

Four other persons were also injured by the lightning which struck during heavy rainfall.

Vanguard reports that the victims, Emeka Mbah, a 39-year-old from Umuejekaubi Umuahum Ndegwu, and his friend, Mr Chigbomkpa Ernest Odionyenma, 36-year-old from Umuadi Umuogwuta in Ndegwu community, died instantly after being struck by the lightning.

Stanley Opara, an eyewitness, said the deceased were both married with kids and until their demise were members of the Assemblies of God Church at Ndegwu.

He said the two victims and four others were hired to work as labourers at a building site in Umuogwuta village in Ndegwu when the lightning struck.

He explained that those who survived were thrown away into the building’s foundation and were seriously injured.

“It was like an electric spark and a heavy thunderstorm that shook the entire community. People were screaming in front of the site and when we rushed out, we saw two figures lying lifeless,” he said.

Another resident,  Kelechi Iwuagwu, said, “We are shocked till now and we cannot comprehend the mystery of the lightning strike. We know from the way they were killed that it was not ordinary and for those who survived they must thank God for their lives.”