Roodepoort woman killed by lightning strike

A woman believed to be in her 30s died after being struck by lightning while walking along the pavement on Albertina Sisulu Road, near the Princess informal settlement, reports Roodepoort Record.

The lightning struck when she was outside the Sunshine Cash and Carry.

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The police and emergency services were on scene to try and help her, but unfortunately, there was not much they could do, and she was declared dead on the scene.

Her body was transported to the Roodepoort pathology department, where an inquest docket was opened for further investigation.

“The Roodepoort Police would like to convey their condolences to the bereaved family and friends,” said Captain Juanita Yorke, Roodepoort Police spokesperson.

She also shared some valuable tips regarding lightning safety:

• No place outside is safe when there are thunderstorms in the area;

• If you hear the sound of thunder, you need to be aware that lightning is definitely close enough to strike you;

• When you hear thunder, it is suggested that you immediately move to a safe shelter, such as a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with the windows closed. If possible, stay inside the vehicle;

•Stay in the safe shelter for at least thirty minutes after you have heard the thunder or seen the last signs of lightning flashes.

• Do not use corded phones, computers, laptops, cellphones or any other electrical equipment that can place you in direct contact with electricity;

•Where possible, avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and taps;

•Try to avoid windows and doors, and stay off verandas and porches (Open spaces);

• DO NOT lie on the ground or on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

If you are caught outside with no safe place for shelter anywhere nearby, then the following actions may reduce your risk of a lightning strike:

• Immediately remove yourself from elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks;

• Never lie flat on the ground;

• Never take shelter under an isolated tree;

• Never use a cliff or a rocky overhang for shelter;

• Immediately move away from ponds, lakes and other large bodies of water;

• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity such as power lines, barbed wire fences, windmills, illegal electrical connections that have not been earthed, etc.

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