Lightning Strike Kills 3 Young Cousins in Pulilan, Bulacan

janimonow

June 6

Three young cousins in Pulilan, Bulacan tragically lost their lives after being struck by lightning while playing outside during a rain shower. The victims were identified as Rexter Enriquez, 16, Roxanne Enriquez, 12, and April dela Cruz, 11.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon as the children played on a grassy lot near their homes. A surviving cousin recounted the horrific moment: "We were playing ball when the lightning struck. I was getting the ball from behind a post. When I looked back, they were all unconscious and smoking."

Immediate Response and Aftermath

The children were quickly taken to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival. Ana dela Cruz, mother of one of the victims, described their desperate efforts: "We rushed them inside the house and called for an ambulance. They tried to revive the three kids, but they were already gone."

Explanation from PAGASA

According to Loriedin dela Cruz-Galicia, a weather forecaster from PAGASA, the lightning strike likely resulted from ground current, which can be especially dangerous when the ground is wet. "When a lightning strikes, there's a high chance the current will reach anyone on the damp ground," she explained.

Safety Warnings

Dela Cruz-Galicia emphasized the importance of seeking shelter during thunderstorms and avoiding being outside or under trees when lightning is present. "The safest thing to do is to take shelter in a house or a sturdy building," she advised.

Preventive Measures

PAGASA also suggested that local government units (LGUs) consider installing lightning sensors to provide localized warnings, similar to those used at airports. This would enhance safety measures and provide timely alerts during severe weather conditions.