SAMAL, Bataan — Two farm workers died while another was injured when they were hit by lightning while inside a hut in Barangay Palili here Friday.
The fatalities were identified as Kevin Sacriz, 22, and his uncle Elvin Sacriz, 26, while Kevin’s father, Edizer Sacriz, 56, was injured and confined at a hospital.
Dimple Escopete said that after eating lunch, the victims stayed in one of the huts in the farm, preparing to go home because of heavy rains and strong thunder and lightning.
“Tinamaan sila ng kidlat sa kubo habang uuwi na sana,” said Loida Pacauro, wife of Elvin Sacriz.
Benjamin Layola, Palili barangay chairman, said there were heavy rains and strong lightning and thunder when the three stayed in a hut near a tall coconut tree.
“Unang tumama ang kidlat sa niyog at nakita lang ng may-ari ang mga biktima makalipas ang halos dalawang oras. Halos dalawang oras naghirap ng mga nasawi. Hindi agad sila nakita dahil sa malakas ang ulan. Nang tumila na ang ulan at nag-aalala ang may-ari, doon pa lang nalaman na my tinamaan ng kidlat,” Layola said.
“Tuwing magkakaroon ng malalakas na ulan at kidlat, iwasan nating sumilong o lumapit sa ano mang puno o poste ng kuryente dahil ito ang tinatamaan ng kidlat,” Layola reminded his constituents.
“Unang tumama ang kidlat sa niyog na nabiyak sa lakas ng kidlat na tumama dito,” the village head added.
