A lightning strike in Malawi’s Dowa District has left four students dead and two others seriously injured.
The tragedy occurred Thursday evening as heavy rains and thunderstorms swept through the Southern African nation, police confirmed on Friday.
Macpatson Msadala, a police spokesperson, said the victims, aged 15 to 17, were students at Kaungwe Community Day Secondary School. They were staying in a house near the school when the lightning struck.
“Four died instantly, while two others were rushed to Mtengowanthenga Mission Hospital for treatment of serious injuries,” Msadala stated.
George Mkambeni, the district’s education advisor, expressed profound sorrow over the loss. “It’s heartbreaking to lose so many young lives in an instant. The community is in shock,” he said.
The incident follows days of torrential rains in Malawi, which have caused significant damage and loss of life.
This latest disaster comes as the country continues recovering from the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, which struck in 2023, killing thousands and displacing over a million people.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant as severe weather conditions persist in the region.