South African police have opened an inquest following the deaths of three people who were allegedly struck by lightning during a church service in Limpopo province on Sunday, December 14.
According to local authorities, congregants were attending a night church service inside a tent erected in an open field at Radimana village when heavy rain and thunderstorms began. While the congregation was singing, lightning reportedly struck inside the tent.
Eight people, aged between 12 and 56, all believed to be residents of the local community, sustained injuries in the incident and were immediately transported to a nearby health-care centre.
Three of the victims, one man and two women, were pronounced dead on arrival. The remaining five injured congregants were later transferred to a local hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment.
Police said an inquest has been registered to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Lightning-related fatalities are not uncommon in parts of South Africa, particularly in rural areas during the summer thunderstorm season, often prompting renewed calls for improved safety awareness during severe weather events.
