Six members of the same family have been killed after lightning struck and set their grass-thatched house on fire in Oleba Town Council, Maracha District. The tragedy occurred at around 4:50 a.m. on Friday in Nyaza Cell, Central Ward, during a heavy downpour.
According to local authorities and residents, lightning struck the home of Geoffrey Amandu, killing him instantly before igniting the house.Amandu, his wife Harriet Enyaru, and their four children were trapped inside the burning house and died in the fire. The deceased have been identified as Geoffrey Amandu, 37; Harriet Enyaru, 30; Desire Patience, 11; Jovia Ayikoru, 9; Blessing Lekuru, 7; and Martha Jilda, aged one year and six months.
Robert Angupi, the LC III Chairperson of Oleba Town Council, confirmed the incident, describing it as a devastating tragedy that has left the entire community in mourning.Police from Maracha Central Police Station responded to the scene and found the bodies burnt beyond recognition.
Maracha District Police Commander Taban Swaib Aban, who visited the scene, appealed for calm as investigations into the incident continue.
The incident has cast a sombre mood over Oleba Town Council as residents come to terms with the loss of the family. Authorities say more details will be provided as investigations progress. URN