Two women lost their lives, and 12 others were injured after being struck by lightning during a Bank Nkhonde (local savings and loan group) meeting in Nambazo Village, Traditional Authority Chiwalo, Phalombe District.
Phalombe North East Member of Parliament, Dennis Namachekecha, confirmed the incident, explaining that the lightning struck as members of the group were holding their discussions.
Phalombe Police Spokesperson, Jimmy Kapanja, identified the deceased as Alice Masiye, 64, and Estere Gomani, 40, both from Traditional Authority Chiwalo in the district.
“The incident occurred this afternoon, and the victims were rushed to Nambazo Health Center, where the two women were pronounced dead,” Kapanja said.
Medical reports revealed that the two women died from electric shock caused by the lightning. The police have urged the community to take safety measures during storms to prevent further tragedies.