Fatal lightning strike at North West festival claims lives and injures scores
Two people were killed by lightning and scores injured during at Mphebatho Troop Festival, also known as Diturupa, in Dertig village, North West, on Saturday.
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A devastating lightning strike at the Mphebatho Troop Festival in Dertig village, North West, that killed two people and injured 150 more has left the community shaken.
A lightning bolt ripped through the crowd, sending panicked revelers fleeing for shelter on Saturday.
According to authorities, a total of 150 patients with lightning-related injuries from the event were treated at Mathibestad clinic, with 49 subsequently admitted to Jubilee Hospital.
A social media video showed the moment panic set in at the village carnival as attendees scrambled for safety amid a downpour.
"People got struck, two collapsed," a shocked onlooker exclaimed, as others clutched umbrellas in the rain.
After the deadly lightning strike organisers called off the remainder of the event amid growing panic and chaos.
Moretele Municipality Mayor Masango George confirmed that the lightning strike occurred during the Mphebatho Troop Festival, held at Dertig Sports Ground.
“Due to bad weather, more than ten people were struck by lightning, and unfortunately, two people were declared dead. Emergency services arrived quickly, and all other injured individuals received medical care,” he said.
He said the festival was put on hold immediately for safety reasons and to protect everyone at the event, including community members, performers, and officials.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who passed away and wish all other affected individuals a speedy recovery. The safety of our community remains our top priority,” George said.
The North West Department of Health said patients affected by a lightning strike were attended to at Mathibestad clinic, a 24-hour health facility on Saturday.
According to the department, a total of 150 patients received treatment at the clinic, with two fatalities confirmed.
At least 13 were critically ill and were immediately transferred to Jubilee Hospital for further management of various injuries.
On Sunday, the department reported that additional 36 patients have since been admitted to hospital, bringing the total number of admissions to 49.
Most of the patients treated at the clinic sustained mild burns and were reported to be stable, with the majority having been treated and discharged.
North West Health MEC Sello Lehari has commended the clinic for its swift response to the Diturupa lightning strike.
“I can confirm that both day and night duty staff were on site. The health professionals on duty included two doctors, four professional nurses, and three enrolled nurses, bringing the total staff complement to 9 to effectively attend to patients. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) support was strengthened through the deployment of two North West EMS ambulances, two Gauteng EMS ambulances, and Planned Patient Transport,” he said.
Lehari further expressed appreciation for the collaborative emergency response.
“We wish to express our appreciation to Gauteng Health for assistance with the emergency response, particularly in deploying two ambulances and admitting patients that needed urgent hospitalisation.”