Lightning kills farmer in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A lightning strike claimed the life of a farmer in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo morning of Nov. 8.

Police identified the victim as Remond Soprason, 33, of Barangay Acuit, Barotac Nuevo.

Jolito Anaya, the victim’s brother-in-law, told police investigators that he was working on the rice field at Barangay Linao when he discovered Soprason lying unconscious on the rice paddy at around 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

It was believed that Soprason was hit by a lightning strike since it was raining several minutes before his body was found.

Lieutenant Cedrick Cruz, Barotac Nuevo police chief, said there was no sign of burn injuries but just a wound akin to a hematoma on his back.

He was rushed to Don Jose Montfort Medical Center Extension Hospital in Barotac Nuevo town but was declared dead on arrival.

According to Soprason’s family, the victim left home at around 6 a.m. to check on his farm carabao.

It was believed that he was struck at around 8:30 a.m.