The people of Ndegwu community in Owerri West LGA of Imo State have been thrown into anguish and mourning following the horrendous lightning that struck and allegedly left no fewer than two persons dead and injured four others after a heavy rainfall yesterday.
The names of the victims were given as Mr.Emeka Gerald Mbah, a 39-year-old from Umuejekaubi Umuahum Ndegwu, and his friend, Mr.Chigbumkpa Ernest Odionyenma who is a 36-year-old from Umuadi Umuogwuta in Ndegwu Community, died instantly when the thunder struck during heavy rain at about 5 pm.
Mr. Stanley Opara, an eyewitness, told reporters that the deceased were both married with kids and until their sudden demise were members of the Assemblies of God Church at Ndegwu.
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He said the two victims and four others were hired to work as laborers at a building site in Umuogwuta village in Ndegwu when lightning suddenly enveloped the community with the accompanying thunder.
He explained that those who survived were thrown away into the building’s foundation and were seriously injured.
‘It was like an electric spark and a heavy thunderstorm that shook the entire community. People were screaming in front of the site and when we rushed out we saw two figures lying down,’ he said.
Community sources, who pleaded anonymity, said that the incident attracted residents of the area and many others who gnashed their teeth in pain and wondered what informed the thunder strike during the heavy rainfall.
While the sad event had continued to raise concerns, especially the circumstances surrounding the death of the two persons and the injured ones, Mr. Kelechi Iwuagwu who spoke to reporters said they were still shocked till now and cannot comprehend the mystery of the thunder strike.
