Girl killed by lightning strike in Bua

A girl has died after being struck by lightning during a thunderstorm in a village in the Bua Province over the weekend.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wame Bautolu confirmed the incident.

Sergeant Bautolu said the Northern Division experienced continuous thunderstorms last week, which led to the fatal incident. He said this was the first lightning-related death recorded in the division this year.

Meanwhile, a church minister from Batiri Village in Macuata, Inoke Vakatabai, expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.

“I feel sorrow for the loss and extend my heartfelt condolences to the family,” Mr Vakatabai said.

He said every life played a vital role within a community and urged parents and guardians to take extra precautions during severe weather.

“Parents should ensure children do not loiter outside during heavy thunderstorms and keep them away from areas where lightning strikes are likely,” he said.