Lightning kills 4 in Negros

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Four persons died after they were hit by lightning in Pontevedra, Negros Occidental on Friday.

The victims were taking shelter from heavy downpour in a hut in Hacienda Carmen, Barangay Don Salvador Benedicto when the tragedy occurred.

The fatalities were identified as Glen Gatual, 42; Rubilyn Muedan, 41; Marites Garzon, 52, and Renilda  Villanueva, 51, all of Hacienda Carmen.

They were declared dead on arrival at the Valladolid District Hospital along with their companions Oberta Tiayo, 62; Lito Cabalida, 40; Marites Cabalida, 40, and Lynlyn Subong, 34, who suffered burns.

The latest incident brought to 11 the number of fatalities and 32 injured from lightning strikes that occurred in the province since last month.

Last week, 11 persons were injured after lightning struck in Barangay Ma-ao, Bago City. – Emmanuel Tupas