Fourteen people, including eight men, were killed by a lightning strike on Saturday evening in the Palabek settlement camp in northern Uganda. The victims, aged 9 to 21, were gathered for a prayer service when the storm hit around 5:30 PM.
Police reported that all victims died instantly, with the youngest being a 9-year-old girl. The strike occurred in a temporary metal structure, which lacked lightning protection.
Investigations revealed that deadly lightning strikes are common during Uganda’s wet season. The victims are believed to be refugees from neighboring South Sudan.