Four children injured in lightning strike

FOUR primary school children were rushed to hospital last Wednesday after lightning struck a wall they were leaning against during a school presentation.

Edward Mthethwa, the principal of Mahloni Primary School, said pupils and teachers had gathered in the hall to listen to a presentation by SAPS when disaster struck.

“The rain was coming down very hard and then lightning came through the window and struck the electrical distribution board against the wall, causing it to catch fire,” said Mr Mthethwa. “The pupils had inhaled some smoke so they were taken to the hospital in Paulpietersburg.

Medical staff at the eDumbe Community Health Centre (CHC) confirmed that they had treated pupils and teachers who complained that they were suffering from body pain and headaches following the lightning strike. While the others were treated and discharged the same day, one pupil was kept overnight for observation.

Mr Mthethwa said that this was not the first time lightning had struck near the school, causing damage.

“Lightning once struck the high school gate, damaging it, and on another occasion lightning struck a tree just outside the school,” he explained. “The children are traumatised when this happens. We need lightning conductors at the school, and awareness regarding safety during a storm needs to be done more regularly at schools.”

*How to avoid being hit by lightning:

– Avoid open areas and tall objects. The taller the object, the more likely lightning will hit it, and the electricity might jump to you.

– Elevated or watery areas are also unsafe, as there is a higher chance of you being hit by lightning. It’s recommended that you take shelter in lower, dry areas.

– Stay low by crouching with your head between your knees and covering your ears with your hands. Press your heels together, as this will prevent electricity from reaching your heart if you’re struck. Avoid completely flattening yourself on the ground.

– Stay away from objects that may conduct electricity. Fences and metal poles are examples that are commonly found outdoors. If you’re carrying metal objects that stick out, quickly drop and move them away. Whilst smaller metal items, such as piercings or electronic devices, are of no risk, the ones that protrude from you and are isolated endanger you. Umbrellas are an example.

– Take shelter in a car. Although they’re mostly made of metal, they’re one of the safest places to be during storms. If the car is struck by lightning, it will travel through the metal in the car and around your body (not through it) and safely into the ground. Place your hands in your lap, and don’t let your body come into contact with the items inside, such as the steering wheel or door handles.

*Lightning safety advice sourced from www.wikihow.com

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