Lightning kills 6, injures 20 fiesta revelers in Aklan

It may be true that lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place, but it sure can zap several people in one stroke.

Six people were reportedly killed while about 20 others suffered serious burns when lightning marred a barrio fiesta celebration yesterday afternoon in Barangay Pampango, Libacao town in Aklan.

A Visayas-based radio network reported that lightning struck a village store where the victims were seeking shelter from a downpour.

The fatalities were identified as April Zorilla, 7; Wilmar Formento, 18; Roland Zabal, 19; Michael Zolina, 25; Randy Zolina, 22; and Janilyn Naelgas, 17.

April died on the spot while the others died while undergoing treatment at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbocon Memorial District Hospital.

Some of the injured victims who were taken to the Kalibo Provincial Hospital were identified as Liliane Naelgas, 23; Allan Salazar, 24; Mac-Mac Zorilla, 14; Lyn Zorilla, 26; Raffy Zolina, 25; Jelo Dalangan, 20, Karen Zolina, 18; and Glenn Zorilla whose ages were not immediately known.

Personnel of the provincial office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council extended assistance to the victims.

Bombo Radyo identified the store owner as Arlene Villorente.