By Yang Ater Yang
Three girls were killed, and a woman was injured after lightning struck a residential area in Mabor-Ngap, Rumbek Town, Lakes State, on Thursday evening, according to police.
Lakes State police spokesperson Lt. Col. Elijah Mabor Makuac said the victims were returning home when the lightning struck before they reached their destination.
He said three of the victims died at the scene, while the injured woman was evacuated and taken home in critical condition.
“It was a very unfortunate and tragic incident that resulted in the loss of three lives at the same time,” Makuac said.
The police spokesperson urged residents to take precautions during thunderstorms, particularly when travelling or seeking shelter during heavy rain.
He said the incident was not the first lightning-related tragedy reported in the area and called for greater public awareness of safety measures during the rainy season.
Daniel Laat, coordinator of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO) in Lakes State, also expressed concern over the deaths.
Laat said preliminary information indicated that some of the victims were female students from Landmark Secondary School in Rumbek.
“This is a very sad incident. Lightning comes without warning, and people need to be careful,” he said.
He urged residents to avoid taking shelter under large trees during thunderstorms, warning that doing so can expose groups of people to danger.
Laat also called on schools and other institutions to install appropriate lightning-protection systems to safeguard students, staff, and communities.
He urged households to take precautions during storms and avoid leaving doors and other openings unnecessarily exposed.
The CEPO official further called for increased community awareness of lightning safety, particularly during the rainy season.
The incident has renewed concerns over the need for stronger public awareness and protective measures as thunderstorms continue across parts of Lakes State.
Authorities and community organisations are encouraging residents to seek safer shelter during storms and avoid exposed locations, particularly underneath trees.