TWO INDIVIDUALS died while seven others sustained injuries following a bolt of lightning that struck a nipa hut around 1 p.m. in Sitio Mawato, Barangay Bantol, Marilog District, on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
Captain Hazel Tuazon, the spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office, identified the deceased as Emma Ansang Bansilan, 49, both farmers and residents of Purok 1 of the same barangay.
The injured were identified as Arlyn Urayan Dalagma, 49, farmer, a resident of Purok 6, Malakiba (severely injured); Lito Genando Ansang, 60, farmer, a resident of Sitio Banayan, Barangay Malamba; Jerry Embac Ogaw, 44, farmer, a resident of Purok 6, Barangay Bantol
Rowena Ambit Larisa, 46, farmer, a resident of Purok 6, Barangay Bantol; Joel Cabanda Ansang, 30, farmer, a resident of Sitio Banayan, Barangay Malamba; Noeme Nord Altubar, 58, farmer, a resident of Purok 4-A Muslim Village, Brgy Bantol; Mila Cervantes Monoy, 20, farmer, a resident of Sitio Banuayan, Barangay Bantol.
Initial investigation revealed that the victims were harvesting rice when a sudden downpour forced them to seek shelter in the nipa hut owned by Lito Genado Ansang. While inside, a strong lightning bolt struck the shelter, injuring several people.
Two victims were declared dead on arrival by responding 911 personnel. The injured victims were transported to the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
