Lightning kills 1, injures another in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A young man died from burns while his 3-year-old cousin was seriously injured when lightning struck them Monday afternoon in a village of Siayan town, Zamboanga del Norte, police said on Wednesday.

The fatality was identified as Ronald Igod, 19, while her injured cousin was Jelemae Igod, both residents of Barangay Soguilon, Police Inspector Rufo Antiquina, officer-in-charge of Siayan Police Station said.

The police said they learned of the incident on Tuesday after it was reported by Soguilon Barangay Captain Felomino Gumandam that two villagers were hit by lightning in his village. 

Police investigation disclosed the victims were inside their house, amid heavy downpour, listening to their radio when lightning struck their house about 5 p.m. 

The police said the victims who sustained serious burns and injuries were immediately rushed to the Siayan Diagnostic Center for medical treatment and transferred to Sindangan District Hospital.

However, the older victim expired while Jelemae remained confined due to serious injuries.