Muchinga Family Killed By Lightning Strike

A family of four from Kapaso Village, Muchinga Province have been killed after being struck by lightning, local police have confirmed.

Muchinga Province police commissioner Joel Njase told ZANIS that the incident occurred on Wednesday 7 October, around 9pm. 

The victims were identified as Emmanuel Puma (45), Dorothy Mwila (42), Bupe (16) and Manase Mumba (14). It is believed all four family members died on the spot.

District Administrative Officer Willis Sinkamba said the strike happened while the family were out in the plains. 

The chances of being struck by lightning are around 1 in 500,000. However, these odds are significantly reduced when standing in an open space. It is estimated that 24,000 people worldwide are killed each year by lightning.