Lightning kills 6 pupils, teacher

Kigoma. Grief engulfed Kigoma Town following news that six pupils and their teacher had been killed by lightning that accompanied a downpour yesterday.

The tragedy struck Kibirizi Primary School in Kigoma Ujiji, throwing shocked residents into mourning. Another villager in the area was also killed in the same manner.

Those who were struck dead were five standard one pupils and their standard three colleague. Five other pupils were injured and were rushed to Kigoma Regional Hospital where they were still undergoing treatment.

The victims were struck while in class during the downpour that lasted from 11am to about 2pm when the disaster hit. 

The incident has come hot in the heels of another lightning incident in neighbouring Kasulu District recently in which six teachers and pupils were killed.

Kigoma district commissioner Saveli Maketta who rushed to the scene helped remove the victims before sending them to the hospital. He said the incident was a big tragedy and announced a communal service would be held later today.

Those from Standard one were Yusufu Athumani, Fatuma Slay, Zamda Seif, Shukurani Yohana and Walupe Kapupa; and Hasani Ally of Standard Three.  Their deceased teacher was Elieza Mbwambo, and had been to the school for just a year.

“We’re in shock, it is a big loss to the school and the surrounding community,” said the ill-fated school head teacher Thadei Lyapa. The deceased villager was identified as Focus Ntahamba from Bangwe suburb. All their bodies were kept at the local morgue.

A teacher who witnessed the incident said the lightning struck as he was teaching in the upper classes. 

“It was raining heavily but suddenly a huge flash descended on us, throwing everyone into the ground. Moments later, teachers and pupils were rushing to the class where the seven were lying dead,” said Mr Bashiri Kambi.

Acting district medical officer Dr Fadhili Kibaya said they could not resuscitate the victims as they arrived at the hospital already dead.

He said those admitted were pupils Mahamudu Sijafikiri,  Najibu Muyabi and  Hatibu Amri; and a teacher at the school, Ms Cecilia Kihumo.  Mr Bahati Zakaria, a villager near the school was also admitted.