Six killed, five injured by lightning

Six people died and five were injured when they were struck by lightning on the N8 about 20 km out of Botshabelo near Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

According to ER 24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing “It is understood the men, between the ages of 20 and 40, are construction workers. They took shelter from the rain in a structure close by before the incident occurred.

“Paramedics and other services arrived on scene and found the patients lying in and around the structure. They were assessed.

“Unfortunately six of the workers who were struck by the lighting died. Five sustained minor injuries.

“Patients who sustained injuries were treated and transported to a local hospital.

“Authorities were on scene.”