A tragic event unfolded on Saturday afternoon when Dominika Lebotia, a 29-year-old resident of Qelekuro Village in the Namena district, was fatally struck by lightning at the Saint Vincent grounds near Natovi Jetty.
Eyewitness Vincent Yalimai, 19, recounted that he was working with friends at the nearby Saint Vincent School when a heavy rainstorm hit just after noon, bringing with it a fierce thunderstorm and lightning. As the group sought shelter on the school verandah, they saw Dominika making her way toward the jetty. Despite their urgent calls for her to take cover, she continued on her path.
Tragically, shortly thereafter, lightning struck, leaving Dominika unconscious. Yalimai described the harrowing scene as he and others rushed to help her; her hair was smoking, and her body bore visible burns from the strike. Efforts to revive her were made en route to Korovou Hospital, but she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with thunderstorms and the unpredictable nature of severe weather. It underscores the critical need for caution during such conditions. The community deeply mourns the loss of Dominika and extends heartfelt condolences to her family during this painful time.