At least four people, including two young boys, lost their lives in separate lightning strike incidents during rainfall in Toba Tek Singh and Jhang districts, according to officials from Rescue 1122.
The tragic incidents occurred in different areas as thunderstorms and rain swept across the region, highlighting the dangers associated with extreme weather conditions. Among the victims were two 13-year-old boys who were struck by lightning in separate locations.
In one case, a boy identified as Ali Raza was playing in the rain in Athara Hazari tehsil of Jhang when he was hit by lightning. He was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital and later referred to the District Headquarters Hospital, where he succumbed to severe burn injuries.
In another heartbreaking incident, Ghulam Sarwar, also 13, was struck by lightning while returning home after grazing goats in Chak 401 JB. Despite rescue efforts and medical treatment, he could not survive.
A third fatality was reported in Kamalia tehsil of Toba Tek Singh, where a 35-year-old labourer, Haji Muhammad, died on the spot after being struck by lightning while heading home with his young son, who remained unharmed.
The fourth incident occurred in Mouza Massan in Jhang district, where a 45-year-old man, Mumtaz Sakyana, also lost his life due to a lightning strike during rainfall.
All four deaths happened in separate incidents, underscoring the widespread impact of the storm system. Emergency responders from Rescue 1122 attended multiple scenes and provided assistance, but the intensity of the lightning strikes proved fatal in these cases.
Experts advise citizens to take precautionary measures during thunderstorms, such as avoiding open fields, staying indoors, and refraining from using electrical devices during lightning activity.
This series of incidents serves as a reminder of the risks posed by changing weather patterns and the importance of public awareness and safety during severe weather conditions in Pakistan.
