Lightning strike kills teenager

By: Jennifer P. Rendon 

A LIGHTNING strike claimed the life of a teenage boy afternoon of July 22, 2019 in Lemery, Iloilo.

Arnold Arellano, 19, of Barangay Nagsulang, Lemery, was believed to have instantly died after he was struck by lightning at around 4 p.m. Monday at Agpipili village.

Arellano was walking on a rice paddy with his uncle when the incident happened.

Despite the heavy rain, the two decided to continue their walk home.

The area is around 4 kilometers from the village where the two reside.

Burns were seen on the victim’s right thigh.

Police Captain Marvin Buenavista, Lemery police chief, said the victim was brought to Sara District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

It took 45 minutes for them to arrive at the hospital since Agpipili is a hinterland village.

When the incident happened, Atellano’s uncle said they were not in the possession of a mobile phone.

He cautioned his nephew to take off his red jacket believing it would attract a lightning strike.

But for some experts, protecting yourself from lightning is not about the clothing, location, or items they carry.

Instead, it’s about avoiding locations where lightning can strike.

Houses and buildings are deemed to have abundant grounding paths that make them safe lightning abodes.

The use of wireless appliances is considered safe to use.