A tragic lightning strike at a church in the Palabek refugee camp in northern Uganda resulted in the deaths of 14 people and left 34 others injured.
The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. while worshippers had gathered for a prayer service during inclement weather.
Uganda’s police spokesperson, Kituuma Rusoke, reported the incident took place in Zone 8, Block 2 of the Palabek settlement camp.
The storm had begun around 5:00 p.m., and just half an hour later, the church was struck by lightning, claiming the lives of many attending the religious gathering.
Authorities are working diligently to identify the victims, while local leaders and emergency services have mobilized to assist the injured. The injured individuals were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Lightning strikes are a significant hazard in Uganda, particularly during the rainy season.
In a similar incident earlier this year, 77 pupils were injured in the northern Nebbi District when they were struck while playing outside during a games competition. In another incident in August 2020, 10 children lost their lives when a lightning bolt hit a grass-thatched hut where they had sought shelter from a storm.
