- Worshippers were singing and praying at 1am when the bolt struck the tent in an open field.
- The victims include a 36-year-old woman and two men in their forties, while survivors were rushed to hospital.
Three worshippers have been killed by a lightning strike during a midnight church service in Limpopo.
The incident happened around 1am on Sunday in Radimana village, near Senwabarwana.
Congregants had gathered in an open field for a night service. They were singing and praying when the storm suddenly hit.
“Lightning unexpectedly struck inside the tent,” said police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
Eight people, ranging in age from 12 to 56, were injured in the strike.
They were rushed to a nearby healthcare centre, but for three of them, it was too late. They were declared dead on arrival.
The victims have been identified as Ribson Mothemane, 46, Mosibudi Mokgobu, 44, and Glenda Modjadji Ntjana, 36.
The five survivors were transferred to a hospital for further treatment.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said she is saddened by the loss of life. She urged communities to be extra careful during the storm season.
The tragedy comes as the South African Weather Service warns of more cloudy weather and possible thunderstorms in Limpopo and Gauteng this week.
Police have opened an inquest into the deaths.
Pictured above: A lightning strike.
Image source: Pexels
