A lightning strike at Awaso in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai municipality of the Western region Monday evening has resulted in the tragic death of four children, with one other critically injured.
According to Kennedy Ayitey Wisdom, Assembly Member for Awaso Centre, the children were playing football on a ceremonial ground at the Awaso Compound when the incident occurred.
Mr. Ayitey explained that one of the children got injured while playing. As the others rushed to assist him, a sudden lightning strike hit the group. One child died instantly at the scene. The remaining four were quickly rushed to Greenshield Hospital in Sefwi Bekwai, where three more were confirmed dead.
The children, aged between 6 and 13, belonged to three different families. Two of the deceased were siblings. All of the children were reported to be children of employees of the Ghana Bauxite Company in Awaso.
The names of the deceased are: Joshua Omani Badu, 10; Francis Asomadu, 13; Vicente Yeboah, 9, with the identity of the fourth victim is yet to be confirmed.
The only survivor, a 6-year-old boy, is currently receiving treatment at the Greenshield Hospital. Medical staff report that he is in stable condition and responding to treatment.
The bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at the Anhwiaso Community Mortuary.
Police are on the ground and have launched an investigation into the incident.
The Assembly Member, Ayitey urged parents to take precautions during rainy weather, advising them to keep their children indoors to prevent such unfortunate occurrences.
By Emmanuel Sowah
