LIGHTNING KILLS MOTORBIKE RIDER
A 22-YEAR-OLD motorbike rider of Mpika, Muchinga Province, has died after being struck by lightning while seated in a tent at
a gold mine site.
Moses Simutowe, of Kawama, died on Monday around 18:00 hours at a gold mine in
Shiwang’andu.
Muchinga Province police commanding officer Dennis Moola said Mr Simutowe was in a tent with four friends while it was raining.
“The victim was in the company of his friends when lightning struck him to death,” Mr
Moola said.
Mr Simutowe was rushed to Mpika Urban Clinic, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
His cousin was informed about the incident and she reported the incident to Mpika Police Station.
Police inspected the body in the mortuary and found no visible injuries.
Zambia Meteorological Department has cautioned the public to avoid standing under isolated trees when it is raining to avoid being struck by lightning.
“Take precaution and avoid standing under isolated trees during the rainfall event to avoid being struck by lightning and always carry an umbrella to avoid being soaked,” the advisory
issued by the department on Monday reads.
The western part of the country is forecast to experience heavy rains until Wednesday next
week.
“An influx of moist and unstable airflow from the north-west (Congo Air) will be influencing the weather in most parts of Zambia,” the advisory reads.
ZDM
LIGHTNING KILLS MOTORBIKE RIDER
