- Tragedy struck Uganda’s Palabek refugee camp on Saturday as lightning killed 14 worshippers and injured 34 others during a prayer service
- The deadly incident occurred around 5:30 p.m., shortly after a storm began
- Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke emphasized the unexpected nature of the strike, which has sparked renewed calls for lightning safety awareness
A devastating lightning strike claimed the lives of 14 worshippers and left 34 others injured at a church in Uganda’s northern district of Lamwo, specifically within the Palabek refugee camp.
The heartbreaking incident happened on Saturday evening.
The tragedy unfolded around 5:30 p.m., just as the congregation had gathered for a prayer service amid an approaching storm.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
According to police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, the victims were in the midst of prayer when the rain began around 5:00 p.m., quickly escalating to a thunderstorm.
See Also:
2: Migori: Community Thrown into Mourning as Lightning Strikes Watchman to Death
The unexpected strike served as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions, particularly in regions frequently affected by severe storms.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of lightning-related fatalities in Uganda, with recent years witnessing similar tragedies.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
In June, a lightning strike during a school event in Nebbi District injured 77 pupils, and in August 2020, 10 children lost their lives in a lightning strike while seeking shelter from a storm.
