Lighting struck

[sumi]

FWIW, South Africa is among the most dangerous places on Earth to live in regards to lightning strikes. They happen often and as many as 300 people in SA die a year from lightning strikes.
https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/sa-dangerous-place-for-lightning-strikes-1945114
As much as I want to live on the African continent, I am strongly opposed to living in South Africa.

@Cyprus I grew up in the north of S.A. which is where these storms are the most common. My house got struck by lighting once and I myself very nearly got struck too. I remember watching the lightning one day bouncing across the ground between my and my neighbour's house. It was amazing and absolutely terrifying at the same time.

Strangely and worryingly I don't recall anyone ever warning me against the dangers of metal poles and similar objects during and after these storms. I was taught to avoid trees and that lighting aims for the highest structure or object and to not be caught in a large, open area. Which is why I shared this, hoping this tragedy may help prevent an accident like this in future.

 

[Kiki]

I'm typing this with tears in my eyes, so forgive if my spelling or grammar is not up to scratch tonight. At 07:02pm South African time yesterday evening, a cousin of mine's 18-month old son ran out the door during, or shortly after, a thunderstorm. Before anyone could stop him, he touched a metal pole and got electrocuted. Mercifully death was instant and he didn't suffer.

I'm sharing this with you all tonight as a reminder of just how dangerous lighting is and how easily a tragedy can happen. Please, please be careful and teach your children to do the same. Even for awhile after the storms have passed, avoid anything made of metal, just to be on the safe side. Lock your small children and babies in the house, if needed.

For those that are religious, please remember his parents and grandparents and family in your prayers. We are all shocked and heartbroken by this.

I am so very sorry Sumi.

 

[getaclue]

Sumi, My condolences. I'm so sorry.

 

[Shadrach]

That's a terrible tragedy Sumi. The boys parents must be devastated.

 

[Anaray]

What a horrorible thing to happen. My condolences to you and your family.

 

[speckledhen]

There are truly no words! I'm so very devastated for your cousin and that precious child. So very sorry, Sumi.

 

[Leahs Mom]

No words...

 

[1muttsfan]

Sumi, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Some stars burn brightly, but not nearly long enough.

 

[Table4Six]

I'm typing this with tears in my eyes, so forgive if my spelling or grammar is not up to scratch tonight. At 07:02pm South African time yesterday evening, a cousin of mine's 18-month old son ran out the door during, or shortly after, a thunderstorm. Before anyone could stop him, he touched a metal pole and got electrocuted. Mercifully death was instant and he didn't suffer.

I'm sharing this with you all tonight as a reminder of just how dangerous lighting is and how easily a tragedy can happen. Please, please be careful and teach your children to do the same. Even for awhile after the storms have passed, avoid anything made of metal, just to be on the safe side. Lock your small children and babies in the house, if needed.

For those that are religious, please remember his parents and grandparents and family in your prayers. We are all shocked and heartbroken by this.

I am crying just from reading this I can't imagine the pain you and your family are going through right now. You all will most definitely be in my prayers.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

My heart breaks for you and your family! What a horrific tragedy! Thoughts, prayers, and LOTS of bear hugs! I am so so sorry.