One thirteen year old boy has died and 12 other children were injured when lightning struck the soccer field they were playing on in Protea Glen near Soweto.
A group of children playing in an under 14 soccer league were playing on an informal soccer field when a lightning strike brought the game to an abrupt and tragic end. Witnesses later told paramedics that the skies were not particularly dark and that the lightning strike was unexpected. After the lightning struck the children ran for shelter in a nearby house.
When ER24 paramedics arrived at the scene local fire and rescue services were already attending to the injured. One child remained motionless on the field after the incident and was unfortunately later declared dead at the scene.
A total of 12 other boys received treatment for injuries ranging from third degree burns to muscle stiffness. The boys were then transported to a nearby medical facility in both ER24 and provincial ambulances.
Andre Visser
ER24