Lightning strike kills man, injures two others

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A lightning strike claimed the life of a 40-year-old from Lambunao, Iloilo late afternoon of Nov. 29.

Police identified the victim as Charlie Latoza, an equipment watcher of Daewoo and a resident of Barangay Basi, Calinog.

The incident also injured Joemar Linghon, 25, and his younger sister, 18-year-old Jerelyn, both residents of Badu village.

According to reports, Joemar went to get his motorcycle to fetch Jerelyn at school.

On their way home, they fetched Latoza at his workplace.

Shortly later, the trio decided to take shelter at a roadside hut in Barangay Cabunlawan following a heavy downpour.

Shortly later, lightning struck and hit the three victims.

Members of the Lambunao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) brought the victims to Dr. Ricardo L. Ladrido District Hospital in Lambunao town but Latoza was declared dead on arrival.

Joemar is still confirmed at the Lambunao hospital while Jerelyn was referred to Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City.