A solemn night prayer service ended in tragedy after a powerful lightning strike claimed the lives of three worshippers and left five others injured in a rural village in Limpopo. The devastating incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning when severe weather conditions struck while congregants were gathered for worship inside a church tent.
The incident took place at Radimana village in the Senwabarwana area. According to police reports, members of the church had gathered for an overnight prayer service when heavy rain and thunderstorms began around 1am. Without warning, a bolt of lightning struck the tent, electrocuting several people who were seated inside.
Emergency services were immediately alerted and rushed to the scene. Eight worshippers, ranging in age from 12 to 56, were affected by the lightning strike. They were all residents of nearby villages and had attended the service seeking spiritual renewal and fellowship.
The injured victims were transported to a local healthcare facility for urgent medical treatment. Sadly, three worshippers — two women and one man — were pronounced dead upon arrival at the clinic. The remaining five victims sustained injuries and were later transferred to hospital, where they continue to receive medical care. Their conditions have been described as stable.
The sudden loss of life has left the local community in shock and mourning. Family members, fellow congregants and residents have expressed deep sorrow, describing the deceased as devoted church members who were actively involved in community life. Many gathered at the scene and later at the hospital, struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
Police have since opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. While no foul play is suspected, authorities say the investigation is necessary to formally document the cause of death and the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
Provincial police officials have extended their condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. They have also urged community members to exercise caution during extreme weather conditions, particularly when attending outdoor events or gatherings held in open structures such as tents.
South Africa often experiences intense thunderstorms during the summer season, especially in provinces such as Limpopo. Weather experts have repeatedly warned that lightning poses a serious risk, particularly in open areas, near metal objects or under temporary structures that do not offer adequate protection.
Safety officials advise that during thunderstorms, people should seek shelter inside solid buildings or hard-topped vehicles and avoid open fields. Outdoor gatherings should be postponed if severe weather warnings are issued, as lightning can strike suddenly and with deadly consequences.
As the affected families begin the painful process of mourning their loved ones, community leaders and emergency services continue to provide support. The tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the power of nature and the importance of heeding weather warnings to prevent further loss of life.
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