Three girls were killed and a woman critically injured when lightning struck a residential area in Mabor-Ngap, Rumbek Town, on Thursday evening, police and community officials said.
The victims were reportedly on their way home when the lightning struck before they could reach their destination, according to Lakes State police spokesperson Lt. Col. Elijah Mabor Makuac.
Makuac said three of the victims died at the scene. The injured woman was later evacuated and taken home in critical condition.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers posed by thunderstorms in Rumbek, particularly during the rainy season when lightning strikes become a serious threat to people caught outdoors or in unsafe shelters.
“This was a very unfortunate and tragic incident that resulted in the loss of three lives at the same time,” Makuac said.
Police have urged residents to exercise greater caution whenever thunderstorms develop, particularly while travelling or looking for shelter during heavy rain.
Students among those killed
Daniel Laat, Lakes State coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said preliminary information suggested that some of the victims were female students at Landmark Secondary School in Rumbek.
Laat described the deaths as a painful loss for the community and warned residents against seeking shelter beneath large trees during thunderstorms.
He said schools, households and other institutions should strengthen their protection against lightning and improve awareness of basic safety measures.
“Lightning comes without warning, and people need to be careful,” Laat said.
He also called for schools and other public institutions to consider installing appropriate lightning-protection systems, particularly in areas where students and large groups gather.
Calls for greater storm awareness
The deaths have prompted renewed calls for communities in Lakes State to take lightning risks seriously as heavy rains and thunderstorms continue.
Officials and community organizations are encouraging residents to avoid exposed areas during storms and to choose safer shelter instead of standing beneath trees or in other locations that may increase their risk of being struck.
The incident also highlights the importance of educating children and families about what to do when thunderstorms approach, particularly during the rainy season.
Authorities say greater public awareness, combined with practical safety measures in homes, schools and other public facilities, could help reduce the risk of further lightning-related deaths.
