Lightning strikes tragedy: A day of unimaginable loss, survival

A Form Three student Yohana Edward was seated in class when the storm intensified.

“It was raining heavily, and the lightning was flashing every few seconds,” he recalled, his eyes downcast as he remembered the moment that changed everything.

"My friends started screaming, so I stood up and moved forward, trying to stay calm. But when I turned around, I saw the student I’d been sitting next to, his neck and stomach burned," he added, lying in a bed at Bukombe District Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

The lightning, seemingly unstoppable, struck their classroom, sending a wave of horror through the students.

The shock of the strike claimed the lives of seven students and left 82 others injured, some critically.

Yohana’s voice wavered as he described the chaos that followed: “After seeing two of my classmates burned, the room filled with this horrible smell, like burning grass. I collapsed. I heard strange sounds, and then I started to bleed from my back. It felt like being shocked all over. I couldn’t speak, couldn’t move. I could still see everything, but I couldn’t do anything. When the teachers came in, they carried us out, but I didn’t understand what was happening until I woke up in the hospital."

While he is improving, his body still aches from the trauma. "I’m getting better, but I feel the pain every day," he said softly, his eyes revealing the weight of the experience.

Teacher Shukuru Isack, who was in a meeting when the lightning struck, recalls the heart-wrenching scene he walked into.

“When we arrived at the classrooms, it was a nightmare. Students were lying unconscious, some in critical condition. We rushed them to the hospital, but some had already passed away. Others are still receiving treatment,” he recalled.

The seven students who tragically lost their lives were Erick Bugalama (18), Erick Akonay (18), Niacs Paul (17), Peter Mkinga (18), Gabriel Makoye (17), Asteria Mkina (16), and Doto Masasi (17).

Six of the victims were boys, and one was a girl. The news of their deaths has left the entire community in mourning, struggling to comprehend the cruelty of such a sudden loss.

Bukombe District Commissioner Paskas Muragili expressed his condolences, saying the families of the deceased had been contacted and plans are underway for a memorial service on Thursday at the school grounds.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for the families. We will gather to honour the memories of these students and offer our support. Their friends, peers, and the entire community will be there to bid them farewell,” said Mr Muragili.

In a gesture of solidarity, Geita Regional Commissioner Martine Shigela assured the public that the government would cover funeral costs for the families and provide support for the ongoing care of the injured students.

"We are committed to helping the families during this heartbreaking time. We will also ensure that the injured students receive the best treatment and that their medical expenses are fully covered,” said Mr Shigela.

As of the latest updates, 73 of the 82 hospitalized students have been discharged, but nine remain under care, continuing their recovery.

The pain of the tragedy is still fresh, with many in the community left to grapple with the aftermath.

Preliminary investigations have revealed a chilling detail: the classrooms struck by lightning did not have an underground lightning protection system.

Mr Shigela emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent future disasters.

"We must work with experts to inspect and install proper lightning protection systems in all schools and public buildings. No one should ever have to endure this again," he stated his voice firm with resolve.

For the Bukombe community, the wounds of that stormy afternoon will take time to heal.

But as the families of the fallen students begin to prepare for the difficult days ahead, there is a shared sense of resolve.

The tragedy will not be forgotten, and in the hearts of those who survived, the memory of their friends and classmates will live on, carried forward by the love and strength of the community they left behind.