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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
A WOMAN from Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park suburb died after she was struck by lightning while her two children, one strapped on her back, escaped with serious burns.
Hilda Chibharo (28) is said to have been walking to her home with her two minor children when tragedy struck on Monday at about 6PM.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango confirmed the incident yesterday.
“She was struck by lightning at about 6PM while she was coming from visiting her friend who stays in the same suburb. One of her children was strapped on her back while the other minor child was walking by her side. She died on the spot while her two children suffered serious burns and were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment,” said Chief Insp Simango.
She said to avoid similar incidents members of the public should avoid travelling during violent thunderstorms.
A source said it is a miracle that the children survived the lightning strike.
“The family is still shocked by the manner the incident occurred. Everyone is wondering how the children survived. They were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where they were treated for burns. The minor children were discharged so that they could receive treatment from home,” said the source.
The source said the family on Wednesday left the city for Chibharo’s burial at her rural home.
Government recently expressed concern over people dying due to lightning strikes.
Since the start of the 2018/19 rainy season more than six people have been struck by lightning countrywide.
Civil Protection Unit director Mr Nathan Nkomo said the country needs to demystify issues surrounding lightning strikes.
He said instead of using superstitions people should adopt a scientific approach to minimise disaster. Mr Nkomo said individuals should avoid being the tallest objects during thunderstorms as it increased the risk of being struck by lightning. — @nqotshili.
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