A 29-year-old man has died after being struck by lightning while bathing during a rainstorm in Kapchorwa Municipality.
The deceased has been identified as Barnabas Chemayek, a resident of Kapchella Cell, Tuban Ward, West Division in Kapchorwa Municipality.
Fredmark Chesang, the Police spokesperson Sipi, said the incident and occurred on Friday at around 10:00 p.m, when Barnabas was taking a bath in a bathroom structure at his home. He died instantly.
“We received a report of a sudden death resulting from a lightning strike in Kapchella Cell, Tuban Ward,” Chesang said. “A team of investigators visited the scene, documented it, recorded statements from witnesses, and recovered exhibits.”
According to Chesang, preliminary police findings indicate that lightning struck the hut where the deceased was bathing, causing fatal burns to his body.
“Police recovered a burnt piece of clothing from the scene as an exhibit and the body was examined and found to have sustained burns consistent with a lightning strike,” he said.
Anna Kamutya, mother of the deceased, said the family is shocked by the loss of her son.
“My son was healthy and going about his normal routine when the rain started,” she sobbed. “We never imagined that lightning would strike and take his life in such a tragic way. His death has left our family devastated.”
The incident comes amid signs of thunderstorms likely to be experienced in several parts of the Sebei sub-region following the onset of seasonal rains. Authorities have urged residents to take the often-publicized precautions during storms, including avoiding vulnerable structures-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
